Connecting in the Land of Dementia : Creative Activities to Explore Together

Finding the creativity in the journey through dementia is a challenge millions of people face. One in three Americans knows someone withe the disease. This practical book offers caregivers hands-on ideas for meaningful, creative activities they can do with their patients, family members, or friends who have dementia. These activities go beyond the rational mind and tap into the inherent creativity in those who are living with dementia. It also features the innovative ideas of 70 thought leaders in the field of dementia care and includes tips for busy care partners, offering quick and easy forms of renewal and respite. **Deborah Shouse** is a writer, speaker, editor, creativity catalyst, and dementia advocate. She has an MBA but uses it only in emergencies. Her writing has appeared in a variety of publications including The __Washington Post__, __The Huffington Post__, __Natural Awakenings__, __Reader's Digest__, __Newsweek__, __Woman's Day__, __Spirituality & Health__, __The Chicago Tribune__ and __Unity Magazine__. Deborah has been featured in many anthologies, including more than four-dozen __Chicken Soup__ books. She has written a number of business books and for years Deborah wrote a love story column for the __Kansas City Star__. "Finding the connection with a loved one afflicted with dementia is a challenge millions of people face: One in ten Americans has a family member with Alzheimer's, and one in three knows someone with the disease. This book offers care partners practical, hands-on ideas for meaningful, creative activities they can do with their patients, family members, or friends who have dementia. It also includes creative tips for busy care partners, offering quick and easy forms of renewal and respite. Too often, people living with dementia are entertained instead of engaged. Research shows that artistic and imaginative activities reduce the need for psychotropic medications. Doing activities together also increases social interactions, builds positive energy, and adds a sense of discovery to the day. Connecting in the Land of Dementia also features the innovative ideas of about seventy thought leaders in the field of dementia and creativity. Both family and professional care partners can use these activities, in areas such as music, movement, cooking, nature, storytelling, poetry, movies, technology, and more, to engage and connect with people who are living with dementia. Deborah Shouse is a writer, speaker, creativity catalyst, and dementia advocate. Her first book in the Love in the Land series is a best-seller for CRP. Her writing has appeared in a variety of publications including the Washington Post, Huffington Post, Natural Awakenings, Reader's Digest, Newsweek, Woman's Day, Spirituality & Health, the Chicago Tribune, and Unity Magazine"-- Provided by publisher Innovative ideas designed so care partners can engage and connect with people living with dementia. On the dementia journey, each quality moment of connection is priceless. Deborah Shouse and dozens of experts in the field of dementia share ideas that engage the creative spirit so you can continue to experience those meaningful moments of connecting. These easy and adaptable projects--music, art, movies, cooking, storytelling, gardening, movement, and many more--can foster stronger relationships, renew hope, and ignite a sense of purpose for people who are living with dementia and their care partners. You don't need special skills to enjoy these expressive activities. Simply incorporate them into your daily routine and you'll enrich your time together. Deborah Shouse is a writer, speaker, editor, creativity catalyst, and dementia advocate. She has an MBA but uses it only in emergencies. Her writing has appeared in a variety of publications including The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, Natural Awakenings, Reader’s Digest, Newsweek, Woman’s Day, Spirituality & Health, The Chicago Tribune and Unity Magazine. Deborah has been featured in many anthologies, including more than four-dozen Chicken Soup books. She has written a number of business books and for years Deborah wrote a love story column for the Kansas City Star. Finding the creativity in the journey through dementia is a challenge millions of people face. One in three Americans knows someone withe the disease. This practical book offers caregivers hands-on ideas for meaningful, creative activities they can do with their patients, family members, or friends who have dementia. These activities go beyond the rational mind and tap into the inherent creativity in those who are living with dementia. It also features the innovative ideas of 70 thought leaders in the field of dementia care and includes tips for busy care partners, offering quick and easy forms of renewal and respite. Deborah Shouse is a writer, speaker, editor, creativity catalyst, and dementia advocate. She has an MBA but uses it only in emergencies. Her writing has appeared in a variety of publications including The Washington Post , The Huffington Post , Natural Awakenings , Reader's Digest , Newsweek , Woman's Day , Spirituality & Health , The Chicago Tribune and Unity Magazine . Deborah has been featured in many anthologies, including more than four-dozen Chicken Soup books. She has written a number of business books and for years Deborah wrote a love story column for the Kansas City Star .