Creative Care: The Power of Imagination in Dementia Caregiving

What would happen if caregiving strategies were inspired by wonder rather than memory? That’s what Dr. Anne Basting, founder and president of the nonprofit TimeSlips, asked when she began her research into how the arts could be integrated into dementia caregiving. Basting joins the podcast to discuss her caregiving approach rooted in creative engagement and imagination. From storytelling to beautiful questions to performance, Basting describes a new way of caregiving that helps caregivers and families meet patients and loved ones where they’re at to have meaningful connections and spark joy in the later years of life.

Guest: Anne Basting, PhD, professor of English at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, founder and president of TimeSlips, author of Creative Care

Episode Topics

1:31 - What inspired you to bring the arts and humanities to dementia care?

4:51 - Why did you write Creative Care, and what do you want readers to leave with?

7:49 - What are “beautiful questions” and can you offer a few examples?

14:32 - What is in the Creative Care Imagination Kit and why is each component important to the process?

15:49 - You’ve staged theater productions in care facilities as part of this process. How do performers in these plays respond to being a part of theater and how does the audience respond to the performances?

18:43 - How can people get involved in this organization and what do you recommend to people who would like something like this in a local care facility?

19:48 - What would you say to someone about to embark on the caregiving journey with someone with dementia?

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Show Notes

Read Anne Basting’s biography on her website.

Learn more about Anne Basting’s book, Creative Care: A Revolutionary Approach to Dementia and Elder Care, and her Creative Care Imagination Kit on her website here.

Learn about Anne Basting’s nonprofit organization, TimeSlips, at its website for information on services, resources, and ways to get involved. Also find TimeSlips on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.