Creative Care, Anne Basting
Creative Care, Anne Basting
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Creative Care
A Revolutionary Approach to Dementia and Elder Care

Author: Anne Basting

Narrator: Anne Basting

Unabridged: 8 hr 42 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: HarperOne

Published: 05/19/2020


Synopsis

A MacArthur Genius Grant recipient pioneers a radical change in how we interact with older loved ones, especially those experiencing dementia, as she introduces a proven method that uses the creative arts to bring light and joy to the lives of elders.

In Creative Care, Anne Basting lays the groundwork for a widespread transformation in our approach to elder care and uses compelling, touching stories to inspire and guide us all—family, friends, and health professionals—in how to connect and interact with those living with dementia.A MacArthur Genius Grant recipient, Basting tells the story of how she pioneered a radical change in how we interact with our older loved ones. Now used around the world, this proven method has brought light and joy to the lives of elders—and those who care for them. Here, for the first time, everyone can learn these methods. Early in her career, Basting noticed a problem: today’s elderly—especially those experiencing dementia and Alzheimer’s— are often isolated in nursing homes or segregated in elder-care settings, making the final years of life feel lonely and devoid of meaning. To alleviate their sense of aloneness, Basting developed a radical approach that combines methods from the world of theater and improvisation with evidence-based therapies that connect people using their own creativity and imagination.Rooted in twenty-five years of research, these new techniques draw on core creative exercises—such as “Yes, and . . .” and “Beautiful Questions.” This approach fosters storytelling and active listening, allowing elders to freely share ideas and stories without worrying about getting the details “correct.” Basting’s research has shown that these practices stimulate the brain and awaken the imagination to add wonder and awe to patients’ daily lives—and provide them a means of connection, both with the world and with those caring for them. Creative Care promises to bring light and hope to a community that needs it most.

About Anne Basting

Anne Basting, PhD, is a leader in transforming aging and elder care and the recipient of a MacArthur “Genius” Grant. She is the founder of the nonprofit TimeSlips, which implements her innovative approach to memory care, and is the author of three previous academic books, The Stages of Age: Performing Age in Contemporary American Culture; Forget Memory: Creating Better Lives for People with Dementia; and The Penelope Project: An Arts-Based Odyssey to Change Elder Care. Her work as the founding director of University of Wisconsin Milwaukee’s Center on Age & Community was featured in the PBS documentary, The Penelope Project.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Addy

this book is so good, so informative, so thoughtful, so inspiring, HIGHLY recommend......more

Goodreads review by Laura

My mom has Alzheimer’s. This book gave me hope and reminded me that she can still be creative and find community. I’m grateful for the structures and culture change that the author and her colleagues are trying to create.......more

Goodreads review by Jim

4.5 stars. Anne Basting describes the growth and development of her work using theater activities and creativity with elders and people with dementia. She also offers suggestions on things people can do with elders in their own lives.......more

Many thoughtful and proven ideas for connecting with our elders and those with dementia.......more