Learning Event Support: Creative Care Institute

Project Description Narrative:

The older population is increasing dramatically in Wisconsin. Along with the rising number of older adults come increasing rates of dementia. Dementia impacts African Americans and people of Hispanic decent at higher rates, yet care providers often lack the necessary cultural competency and trust to enable them to provide the best care possible. Because there is no 'cure,' and few if any successful medical treatments, care providers often struggle to provide the best possible holistic care for older adults with dementia. Creative engagement techniques can improve the mental health of both elders and their care partners.

Through Learning Event Support funding, the learning event will engage informal and professional caregivers, with an emphasis on expanding diversity, for older adults in long-term care to learn evidence-based communication and community building techniques that improve health of people living with dementia or older adults experiencing social isolation. The Creative Care Institute will support participants to learn the latest research on the health impact on elders of creative engagement, understand the core principles of creative engagement techniques, and how to apply those principles in practice and adapt daily care situations to incorporate the elements of meaningfulness and creative engagement.

Key Collaborators: TimeSlips Creative Storytelling, Inc., UW-Milwaukee School for Continuing Education / Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning