Two Articles for SignPost Journal: Journal of Dementia and Mental Health Care of Older People

During the festive season i will also be writing two articles for SignPost Journal: The Journal of Dementia and Mental Health Care of Older People...when these are completed i will post extracts of the article.

If you would like to receive the full article, please contact me on:
claireford88@hotmail.com

Dementia and Imagination Evening...

I will be presenting my findings from my Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship at the first 'Arts for Health' Networking event on the 26th of January at Manchester Metropolitan University!

Please see the Arts for Health blog for more information and to book your place at:
http://artsforhealthmmu.blogspot.com/

WCMT Report well underway!!

During the last few weeks after my return from the USA i have being writing up my report. It is now well underway and hopefully will be completed before the new year!!
If you would like to read or view the completed report, please feel free to get in touch at:

claireford88@hotmail.com

Luther Manor on American News Channel...

The incredible work that Luther Manor does is now available for all to see on American News - please see link below!!

Storytelling Soothes Seniors with Dementia

http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/45435491#null

John Kohler Arts Centre Proffessional Photographs...

Check out these photographs that the proffessional John Kohler Art's Centre photographer took - they really sum up the fantastic Dementia access programme.

The end is near...

I am sadly nearly at the end of my Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship and it has being a truly phenomenal experience. I can't thank the trust enough for providing and assisting me with this amazing journey of meeting lots of incredible people, observing and working with astounding organisations in the field of Arts and Dementia Care but also allowing this area of work to be done - to improve the lives of everyone affected with Dementia.

I will be writing and putting together my final 'Arts and Dementia' report over the next few weeks so feel free to get in touch if you would like to have a read (it will be in more depth than my blog), contact me at: claireford88@hotmail.com

Memorials and Statues of DC!!

This weekend being my last - i got to fit in some sightseeing with some friends i had met at the beginning of my trip in Milawaukee!! Ironically alot of what we saw was Memorials and Statues and due to us sightseeing so close to Veteran's day - the wreaths, notes and letters were all still available to see..it was very powerful..

Veteran's Hospital on Veteran's Day!!!

Last Friday - American's celebrated Veteran's Day - either by getting the day off work or celebrating with the numerous Veteran's around the DC area. Connecting and working quite closely with IONA services this week - i got to visit a Veteran's hospital myself to see what was going on!! The hospital was decorated, singing, cheerleading and good food was all happening!! It was a great place and honour to be....

Library of Congress....

I spent more time this afternoon listening to primary stories and
sources of those affected by Dementia Disease. These are very important to my
research and will most certainly be included within my final report....

St. Alban's Church - IONA Program...

I visited and took part in many of the activities that were happening at St.Alban's Church in downtown Washington DC. I even took part in the Aerobics class and could not believe how difficult it was! Wow - American Seniors are very fit and active!!

Midday and afternoon - Mickey Klein, the Artist in Residence from IONA came in to the church to facilitate a Watercolour workshop. This was really interesting for me to observe.

Everyone within the group were engaged within the activities straight away - is this to do with a senior teaching it?

The environment felt so safe and creative - so a great way to explore without getting embarassed!

Society for the Arts in Healthcare...

I had a very interesting meeting this with Anita Boles and Evelyn at 'Society for the Arts in Healthcare'. They have the huge task of identifying and bridging the gap between Artists and Health Care Staff - and through their dedication they are making this change, not only nationally but internationally too! So more and more health care facilities are becoming aware of the importance of the Arts and the roles they play. As an organisation they hope to develop sound research which supports the Art Impact on an individuals wellbeing.

It was interesting for me to discuss the differences between 'Art Therapists' and 'Creative Practitioners' within Healthcare settings with Anita and Evelyn. Due to Art Therapists being credited they are seen as beneficial to health, therefore training programs have being developed to credit Creative Practitioners to do the same. Which i think is unbelievable! And i would certainly do the training...this maybe another excuse to pop back to the US for a bit and to get extra credentials!

There will be a huge extract on these current issues we discussed during this meeting in my final report, so if you need any additional information, please get in touch at:

claireford88@hotmail.com

Lisner Home Art Program..

After meeting Gay Hanna a couple of days - she fixed me up with visiting and taking part in the 'Lisner Home's Art Program....i am so glad she did!!

The Lisner-Louise-Dickson-Hunt Home is a Care Facility for primarily poor seniors in the Washington DC community. The grounds and buildings are absolutly stunning, i have never seen anything like it!! So i knew that the Art Program would follow same suite...

Entering a conservatory part of the facility, there were tables covered in paint, canvases and various brushes - everyone was ready for Art Action!! It is a voluntary program for any of the residents and it is very open so they can paint anything they feel like. The results were all different - from chance paintings to landscapes and abstracts. All residents left with a huge smile on their face!

This program was very alternative to what i have previously seen - but maybe this type of freedom within Art can also be engaging?

Check out the Lisner's Website:

http://www.lldhhome.org/ (Amazing videos and photographs which capture the importance of Art Program's in Senior Living Facilities...

Check out the Photographs of some of the final creations:

An Annual Art Exhibition takes place every May at The Lisner Home - fetching in funds for the program to keep running! Inspiring!!

Library of Congress

Today i spent a couple of hours in the Library of Congress working with an Archivist - searching, downloading and listening to 'Storycorp' recordings from previous years. These recorded stories provide insights into the lives of individuals who are living with Dementia or family members and caregivers who are coming to terms with the disease.

I will be going back tomorrow afternoon to listen to the remaining clips....

Chuck Baxter Art Class...

Chuck Baxter is a local Washington DC artist who finds many items and rubbish on the streets that he makes into innovative Art Works. He now has developed this concept and brings 'found objects' into IONA for an afternoons Mixed Media Workshop.

It was fab!! And a chance for me to use everyday mundane materials - which i LOVE to do!! See above for some of the fantastic results....

What i really liked was there was no given brief or concept - what was made was very much participant led!! The stories told about the pieces at the end of afternoon..were great...

Lecture by Mickey Kleins..Over 60 Artist in Residence..

OLLI held a lecture, presented by Mickey Kleins - a 60 year old senior who has the fantastic opportunity to be an artist in residence for 6 months at IONA. Her work fills the Wellness Arts Center and the reception rooms as you enter within the building.

Mickey's presentation was ever so interesting. Her Art and Creativity seems to have developed alongside her visions of the world. Through constant travel with her husband. Watercolour, Acrylics and Photographs all respond to her emotions and visions of the world.

A 60 plus senior being an Artist in Residence - what an empowering experience! This should be developed across many Senior Service Facilities, both in the US and UK.

After Mickey finished her presentation, which lasted a good hour, i went and asked her a question which i had being dying to ask the whole way through.

My question was - 'Do you feel your Creativity has developed as you have become older?'

Mickey's response - 'Its having the time to be Creative now, i didn't used to have the time'.

So is having the time and trying out things that you never got chance to do, the same as 'Creative Aging?'

IONA Wellness Center...

As an introduction to IONA, i got to spend the full morning in the IONA Wellness Center. It was such a beautiful space and i got talking to a man called 'Bill' for quite a long time about his life as an Architect. It was fascinating as he designed most of DC!!!

We then discussed relevant USA News and took part in a exercise class. Half of the group ventured out to the Botanical Gardens whilst the other half did some flower arranging. With such a beautiful autumnal day - it was the perfect activity!!

I spoke quite closely with alot of the day center guests and they all said they enjoyed being there and spending time with each other - mentioning that there was always something to be done!!

I hope Bill can put some of his Architectual skills into practice through Art Programs, sharing his love of creativity and design....

Kreeger Museum!

I spoke with Derya Samadi this afternoon at the Kreeger Museum. It is hidden into the long pathway of utterly expensive and giant houses down a beautiful street in the middle of Tenleytown.

The Kreeger's built the marvelous house years ago hoping to open it into an Art Museum one day. So when they both passed on...this eventually happened. There collections of Monet's, Picasso's, Braque's and African Art are all displayed around the house along with a music hall which performs regular concerts - not to mention the huge sculpture garden in the houses grounds.

The Kreeger is now developing two programs - one directly for individuals with Dementia and their caregivers, but also one that is Integenerational with a local private middle school - this program is named 'Sweet Readers'. Derya believes that in the future Sweet Readers will take over the solely Dementia program as it is so successful.

This proves the benefits of Intergenerational Work for both young people and the elderly.

Watch out for an update on an Intergenerational Poem that was created at the Kreeger.....

Meeting with National Center for Creative Aging!!

This morning i had the amazing opportunity of meeting with the staff who provide the community with The National Center of Creative Aging!! I spoke with Katie, Adam, Allessi and Gay Hanna the Center's Executive Director.

The National Center of Creative Aging provide carers, organisations and facilities with information, research, webinar's and even online tool-kits and training kits to put 'Creative Aging' into practice...promoting the Arts for this Generation!! Programs such as 'Meet me at MOMA' and Kairos Dances 'Dancing Heart' all get published in the best practice database so that they can be implemented or developed within other facilties.

It was amazing speaking to Gay Hanna too - who worked collaboratively with Dr Gene Cohen, at the end of his life. It was great finding out more about him and how passionate he was about this field of work. Dr Gene Cohen would certainly be proud of The National Center of Creative Aging for its dedication and continuous development within this field.

LAST STOP - WASHINGTON DC!!!

San Francisco - MOMA...

During my last day in San Francisco - i got to flavour San Francisco's own MOMA. It was great but slightly smaller than NY!!

With a light installation welcoming you to the museum...that flickered and showed figurative images as if people were walking through. This was really spectacular and innovative!

The rest of the gallery included artists such as Van Gogh, Joseph Cornell and Eva Hesse. A great way to finish my trip in San Francisco!

Stagebridge - San Francisco

As i had a free day in San Francisco i took up the amazing opportunity of observing and spending time at Stagebridge in Oakland.

Check out there website for live performances and Stories:

http://stagebridge.org/

First of all i observed a Storytelling workshop in which there were about 12 seniors taking part. 3 of them performed their story. I was blown away and didn't realise how much emotion, movement, voice and music can go into just one story. Each story was very different but all equally brilliant!! This class develops skills to engage audiences through emotion, humour and props. No PAPER allowed! They were all SO talented...

Storytelling to me is very interactive! Through listening and responding through questions, eye contact or even 'sighing or laughing'. Stagebridge was entirely different to other programs i have observed such as 'Storycorps' due to its energetic storytelling. You could feel the emotion without hearing the words.

Afterwards i watched a performance by 'Word for Word'. Where they incorporate either short stories or poetry into theatre. A poem about loss and how the head and heart helped and assisted was acted out. It was also very powerful and confidently done! I would be really interested to develop these techniques myself as it can really promote engagement and relationships within a group.

Last of all, i watched a group rehearse for a show they will perform this Sunday! Around 15 seniors - singing, dancing, acting and reading. It was very humourous! And i was dying to find out their previous careers to really delve into whether this was part of 'Creative Aging'..???

It was really amazing to be at Stagebridge and i hope this older generation will develop in this way...

New Museum of Art, New York....

We had the fantastic opportunity of observing and being the audience at the New Museum of Art in New York before leaving for San Francisco...

It was unbelievable and very interactive, testing all of our senses!!

I began going on a slide down to the rest of the galleries which consisted of flickering and flashing lights - landing on your body in an insane way! We then got given 'happy pills' which we had no problem taking! WHAT YOU DO FOR ART IS CRAZY!! - I found out later that they just consisted of sugar and some were empty (all to do with chance and luck).

Other exhibitions included a carousel, fishtank, balancing etc...the artist for the New Museum was Carsten Holler...and it really made me think about how we use our senses and how they can be tricked into new environments and situations.

Banksy Graffiti Tour around San Francisco!!

It was like a treasure hunt looking for all of the Banksy murals in many parts of San Francisco - great fun!!

Some were behind car lots, some hidden under other Graffiti...it really test our eyes!!

But Banksy is even better up close!!

Vacation to San Francisco!!

The Fellowship Blog is back!!!

After a fantastic holiday and break to San Francisco - it was great to do some sightseeing to Alcatraz, Banksy Tour, Museums and Galleries, Golden Gate Brigde and Park and we even came across an old Amuseument Museum full of Pianola's - my Grandparents would have loved it!! Plenty of Photographs were taken....

Holiday and Reflection of this amazing Journey...

I will now be taking a holiday this week to San Francisco to reflect and take on board everything i have learnt via my Winston Churchill Travelling Fellowship so far....

The Blogging will continue in just one week...watch this space..

MOMA Off-site Program at Sunnyside Adult Day Centre..

I was so excited to see how MOMA could deliver an off-site program in a Adult Day Facilities environment, plus it gave me the option to see both Art Work observation conversations and studio based work.

It was very interesting as many of MOMA's inside gallery logistics were very different. There were more participants within the group, less caregivers, 70% of them spoke Spanish and only one man within the group. Merly the Educator facilitated it beautifully - engaging everyone throughout.

The Program began with observations of artwork based around the theme of 'Chance and Order' - the main focus being on Pollock's work. After discussing the work in some depth, the group then created their own pieces using marbles and paint within a box. This art form was well thought and didn't get any participant dirty or confused as it was fun and addictive (trying to scribble all over the page similarly to Pollock).

This Program at Sunnyside was very different to MOMA's on-site, but thats how it should be! We as Educators or Co-ordinators work around Logistics and what the participants want within the Care Facility.

Collaborative Art Making instead of Solo Art Making??

After having a closing meeting with the MOMA staff it came to our attention through many observations and discussions:

Can Collaborative Art Making within an Access Dementia Group be more successful? Rather than Solo Art Making??

- Some participants struggle with the thought of 'creating something new and so finished' that they become anxious and withdrawn from the activity. So is Collaborative Participation the way to go?? How do we create a studio space that all individuals can develop new Artworks either in a solo or collaborative way??

Meeting with Ashley and Lindsey at the Rubin Museum of Art...

After observing the 'Mindful Connections' Program at the Rubin Museum of Art last week i was able to meet with both Ashley Mask and Educator Lindsey, to discuss the program in some more depth.

I could not believe it!! I had observed just their 2nd ever Alzheimer's Access Program!! It was really great and worked well so i had no idea it was so brand new. The Rubin are working hard to set up a long lasting Access Program for individuals with Dementia and hope to develop this into both gallery and studio programs in the next year.

Check out the Rubin's regular Blog for updates on their Mindful Connections Program as well as general development:

http://education.rma2.org/

I look forward to seeing what happens in the future at The Rubin Museum of Art. Himalyan Art can be as successful as Contemporary and Traditional Art too - engaging participants with Dementia through searching and finding stories through many visuals.

The MET - Gallery Workshop..

I went back to The MET to join the Alzheimer's Access Program....

We travelled to Egypt and viewed mummies and artifacts from numerous tombs. It was great as alot of the participants could really reflect on their own personal experiences of being in Egypt. 70% of my group had been to Egypt - so this tour was ideal for them!! We were able to touch and we drew patterns which allowed for detailed observations too.

This program was very similar to Milwaukee's Public Museum and a perfect way to travel to a place without going on an aeroplane! A great way to 'leave' New York for the day....

Walk to End Alzheimer's!!

Charlotte and I completed the 'Walk to End Alzheimers' walk with other fundraisers and organisers!! The weather was perfect, the ambience was perfect and the walk raised lots of awareness! A truly great day...

Rubin Museum of Art - Mindful Connections Program...

Ashley Mask invited me to observe the Mindful Connections Program at The Rubin Museum of Art.

As soon as i entered the museum i recognised TI - an Alzheimer's Participants who i have met at three program's since i have been in New York. He is unbelievable and recognises good Art work when he sees it - whether hes at MOMA, in a choir or at The Rubin he can understand the artists emotions and what they hope to portray - its amazing. So it was a pleasure being reunited with him at The Rubin...

The Mindful Connections program was run similarly to Meet Me at MOMA and other gallery access programs that i have worked within - the only difference was the collection and smaller groups. 8 partipants and their caregivers arrived but were split into two groups. This was great and engaged the group more so - the main focus of the group were the participants and what they felt about the Himalyan Art Pieces. It ran for one hour and a half but could have easily carried on. I felt engagement was high due to more questions needing to be asked to understand Himalyan Art.

Which ART program is right for you??

It has come to my attention whilst researching on multiple program's around New York City that many couples (individual with Dementia and their caregiver) attend more than one program per month.

So how do they work out which one works for them?

And is this a new part of their 'Creative Aging' Curriculum?

American Folk Art Museum...

I met with Rachel the leading Director of Education at the American Folk Art Museum today....to discuss their views and programs set up to engage and empower individuals with Dementia.

It was really interesting to find out that the museum has actually down scaled this last year from 5 stories next to MOMA to a small space in Upper West Side..so adjustments are being made to make the Dementia Access Program as successful...

At present they are showing a Quilt exhibition. This tactile textile work is used as prompts, similarly to paintings and sculptures that i have previously discussed and observed in other galleries around the US. Obviously the narratives are not as clear to the audience but this means that they have to read even deeper and write and explore new stories and ideas stemming from what they see or observe....

In fact anything could be observed to prompt discussion - it doesn't just have to be a painting!

It was so interesting speaking to Rachel about thier ethos and program at the American Folk Art Museum and it will be great to find out how the program develops over the next year...

Alzheimer's Association's 24th Annual Meeting at The Times Center in Times Square..

I was invited to the Alzheimer's Associations 24th Annual Meeting at the Times Center just off Times Square - it was absolutly fascinating and great to get questions answered that we are all thinking in relation to the headlines we see in the media.

Neurologists and Scientists - Sam Gandy, Ralph Nixon and Effie Mitsis were on the panel, moderated by Sapna Parikh from abc news...

The discussion was based around the media as to what stories are Hopes / Hypes....the information dispersed to the audience was very scientific but made sense, speaking about the strong relationships between Dementia and Diabetes and even Dementia and Football (head injuries) due to the Amoli levels and stem cell movements as we age.

We are more likely to develop Dementia later on in life as the body finds it difficult to get rid of unwanted Amoli as it becomes more corrupted as we age. So how do we prevent it? - Lowering hypertension, controlling Diabetes, Low weight, Low Fat intake, no head injuries, these will all delay the onset of Dementia.

But what about those individuals that are very healthy throughout life and still get the disease???

It was very exciting that we are taking steps forward in the way of research but it will be years before any medication is used due to pre-testing...lets look forward to the future..

Photos from the Arts and Minds Program at The Studio Museum

As you can see - a perfect example of creativity, engagement and empowerment through the Arts...

Bishop Hucles Care Home - Drama Therapy

It was great to work alongside Bishop Hucles Creative Therapists to facilitate a Drama Therapy session with around 8 individuals with various stages of Dementia.

The session began with reading poetry and interpreting words and emotions through Drama - ie/movements to express words. Through prompt words, we began exploring and putting together another poem. This worked really well and each individual participated either through language or body language - ie/smiling.

It was fantastic to see how poetry can be delivered in many ways and in comparison to working with Gary Glazner at Alzheimer's Poetry Project. Both are so effective but it is apparent with what backgrounds the facilitators come from.

The individuals from todays session at Bishop Hucles certainly got alot of the session....

Arts and Minds at The Studio Museum

I joined The Studio Museum in Harlem for their 'Arts and Minds' Program. As soon as the participants began entering the studio space i was overwhelmed with emotion. Everyone was eager to begin and find out more about the program - bringing in one or two art pieces that they had produced to speak about within the group.

I was expecting all two dimensional works but the vast variety was extraudinary!! This included three dimensional sculptures using old medicine lids and tablet cases to create jewellry (photographs to follow)...i was blown away with this type of creativity - certainly a perfect example of 'Creative Aging'. Other members of 'Arts and Minds' brought in photography art works, paintings, brithday cards and other sculptures made at other programs.

The rest of the program consisted of collage and watercolour art work which provided a frame for creativity. This was interesting and a combination of two art forms that worked very effectively.

I would certainly encourage asking participants to bring in their favourite piece of art work that they have created to discuss - this really provided a new avenue for individuals with Dementia.


(Watch this space for Photographs from this amazing program!!)

The MET - Touching and Handling Workshop

This was my first visit to The MET, even though i have been in the big apple for around 16 days!! On arrival the building was spectacular with the beautiful scenery of Central Park close by. I was able to work closely with Individuals with various types / stages of Dementia and with the caregivers too.

In the Art Study Room of The MET we handled and touched various scultures and pieces from the main galleries. From figures to animals to maps. The program meant that we discussed the piece after handling, drew and responded to them by looking even more carefully and then found out more about its background, what is what made of etc.

This was a very different program and i hadn't seen anything like it but it worked for this group. Being able to touch and feel the sculptures really does make a difference and empowers them with a sense of control. Alot of the individuals in my personal group loved discussing the type of material the object was made from which was interesting. Then we found out that one of the men used to build ships and is very aware of sustainable materials!!

A very intereting program....and i am looking forward to Tuesday's program to see more of what The MET has to offer as part of acess!!

Dance for Parkinson's Disease Training at Mark Morris Dance Centre, Brooklyn

I was invited to take part in the Dance training for individuals with Parkinson's Disease as this has a close relationship with Dementia. So i was interested in finding out links and how the overall diagnosis is similiar. This took place at the Mark Morris Dance Centre in Brooklyn - with fantastic studio spaces!!

The training day began with dance warm ups leading to dancing and working with the body to control it, through the feet, hands, shoulders etc. It was really interesting and gave me another flavour of how dance can be influential to individuals with Parkinsons Disease. After the dance part we were able to ask quetions to a specific Parkinsons Disease Neurologist. This was ever so interesting and gave me an entirely different perspective. Saying that the repetitive nature of dance is what helps and enables empowerment for those with Parkinsons....What i learnt within this training will be put forward into my research to gain a better picture of diagnosis on what can help and engage individuals at all stages...

Storycorps!!

I was so excited to eventually find out more on 'Storycorps' / Memory Loss Initiative and had had this meeting set up for ages!!

Storycorps is set up to enhance peronhood for storytellers with memory loss. Not only does it allow participants to acknowledge the beauty of their story and moment but it also engages them in meaningful conversations - with carers or loved ones too. These stories are then part of national history - both for families and for researchers and others in a similar position. When all stories are recorded, one is given to the individual and family and the other is stored in the Library of Congress in Washington DC - at present there is around 4000 recordings there already!! - I hope to go and listen to a variety whilst my journey takes me to Washington....

This initiative really interests me as it has 'Intergenerational' unconsiously embedded into it. Teaching and sharing personal stories with granchildren and their children and their children...so in years to come we can hear and really get to know important histories and knowledge.

Check out the website so you can hear some of the stories recorded:

http://storycorps.org/listen/

Not only do Storycorps do a Memory Initiative, but they travel the country recording stories. They had a memorial initiative for 9-11 and are working with stroke patients too....an amazing program to bring stories to life!!!

Institute for Music and Neurologic Function at Beth Abraham Family of Health Services, Bronx

I had the amazing opportunity of meeting with Dr.Concetta M. Tomaino, the director of the Institute For Music and Neurologic Function at Beth Abraham Family of Health Services in the Bronx...they have a full floor of music / rehearsal rooms and the energy is overwhelming. The services have received donations off famous musicians such as Moby! He donated his recording equipment...They use Music therapy for all types of individuals with multiple diseases and difficulties - a care facility that cares for chronically ill and disabled adults through the New York metropolitan area. They use music in various ways to enable positive health and well-being...both physically and emotionally.

Dr Tomaino is also a top researcher on the Music and Brain relationship and also carries out collaborative work with Dan Cohen, the director of 'Music and Memory' -with a program named 'Well-Tuned'. They both see instant results through music and how this can tap on memories and psychological issues to improve overall life with individuals who have cognitive impairments or Dementia.

After talking with Dr Tomaino i was able to observe Music Therapy with Therapist Tom. We went down to the care facility and i got to meet Freddie. A middle aged man who had been in a serious car accident around 10 years ago, struggling with speech, fine motor skills and walking he finds music therapeutic and enjoyable. He was able to play guitar before the accident and this skill has stayed with him throughout. It was so powerful when he picked up the guitar and began playing 'Amazing Grace' from his bed... to have this embedded in the community - can really make a difference. Music has similar effects on individuals with Dementia....as seen in previous organisations.

'We Sing' - Alzheimer's Association Program...

This afternoon i have had a great time joining the 'We Sing' group at St.Peters Church in NY, singing songs from various years!! A little bit of dancing was incorporated too!! Each person left with a huge smile on their face and it was such a feel good program.....

A Powerful Section taken from a Music and Memory hand out...

'Amazing as it may seem, meaningful memories, emotions and the recognition associated with them are stored in an area of the brain that is among the last to be affected by the ravages of Alzheimer's Disease and other Dementias'.

This just proves how powerful not only Music, but the Arts can be such a powerful tool to EMPOWER and provide VALUE in life....

Ipod Project at Cobble Hill Care Home with Dan Cohen and Louise Dueno...

This morning i met with Dan Cohen the Managing Director of 'Music and Memory' and Louise Dueno the Recreation Manager at Cobble Hill Care facility in Brooklyn. It was one of the most fascinating conversations....

Ipods - a technology that is used by many of our community to choose and select music for pleasure. So why can't individuals within Care facilities or individuals with Dementia have this same pleasure?? - Dan Cohen's belief that everyone should have access to the newest technologies.

At present there are round 75 - 100 Ipods being used in Cobble Hill, where the members chose and select the songs they want. From patriotic, gospel, opera and rock - specific to their taste. If the member has problems deciding on music, families, carers and friends are asked to participate and choose certain music (25-200 Songs are chosen)..and can be changed quite regularly if wanted. The project itself is now developing with podcasts and audio books too.

When speaking to Dan and Louise they hope the project will develop in the way of Ipads too - choosing the right Apps and accessories for various members. Not only does it improve well-being from negative to positive, it is an activity that the member can carry out alone and always has the option to. The staff have been trained on using the equipment but it is very much led by the participants themselves. I think its a great concept!! And imagine young students teaching the elders how to use an Ipad?! - A way of changing the stigma and making technology accessible to ALL ages.

Intergenerational Alzheimer's Poetry Project...

I was very excited for today as it was my first time observing and taking part in an Intergenerational Alzheimer's Program...

The first half of the session was working alongisde the nursery school children (aged 4/5) to use call and response techniques to learn a poem based on 'Fall/Spring'. After discussing and learning it with actions we travelled downstairs to the 'Memory Day Center' where we worked in collaboration with the elders to sight the poem and perform. For me this way amazing and such a great experience for both age groups too..

When the children left - they shook everyones hands and you could feel the power of energy and happiness within the room for both age ranges. To integrate both of these age groups really changes stereotypes and stigma's - making our environment a better place to be....

Afterwards the children left and Gary worked solely with the Memory Center group - by writing a new poem..

A fantastic first Intergenerational Program for me to observe and take part in!!

Name Tags? - Good or Bad?

Are name tags Good or Bad within a permanant elderly residence for project work? Are they seen to devalue the members by not knowing their names (as they do live their permanantly) or seen as a tool for conversation and identification?

Day Centres usually have name tags as members can attend at various times so staff are more likely to forget names...

WHAT DO YOU THINK??

Poetry techniques...

After the Alzheimer's Poetry Project i got together with Gary to talk some more on techniques and how to facilitate a successful program...this was very interesting and he gave me tips that he has developed over 10 years! I feel so priveleged to know these now in my career...

One of the main techniques was when introducing yourself to a participant, to take on board their personal level as to what they tell you...ie/do they respond with - 'Nice to meet you, my name is Judith' or 'Hello' - there is a huge difference between the two and its reading between the lines to understand their ability within the group. This simple task really helps to understand the members before even beginning so you do not devalue them in any way during the project (whether thats poetry, visual arts or music)..it works for them all...

The other techniques and processes will be discussed further in depth in my final Winston Churchill Report...a thoroughly inspiring discussion that i will certainly take on board!!

Alzheimer's Poetry Project with Gary Glazner...

I had been in contact with Gary Glazner for some time before beginning my Churchill Travelling fellowship with regards to programs and observations so i was very excited to see what they were all about!!

Today i met Gary at 80th Street Residence in Manhattan which is a specific Memory Loss residence. Their was a group of 12/14 participants, mainly women with variety of backgrounds and personal needs and abilities. We sat in a large circle in one of the living room areas and began discussing Shakespeare in honour of England (honour of me!!). As Gary has been working with this group for around 2 years, monthly - the group is confident and engaged straight away. They honestly say how they feel about varios poets, one lady quoted 'Shakespeare is boring and it reminds me of been at school!!'. But this humoured the whole group....

We spoke about numerous poets - Gary reading them all the way through and also 'Call and Response' activities, concluding in writing our own poem based on the theme of 'Fall'. Each member of the group answered Gary's questions based on the senses to come up with their own line for the poem. (This poem will be updated onto the blog very soon - so keep watching out for it!!)...

I had the job of writing everyones comments / lines for the poem during the discussion which was actually very difficult. At the beginning i picked up on the most important phrases but towards the end i wrote down full sentences. It shows that i listened more carefully to the participants towards the end of the session - providing more emotion to the poem through full sentencing. This was very interesting to me - that i need to develop and pick up on all of the words during poetry instead of descriptive words. Hopefully i will be able to try out this technique again tomorrow in another program....

Arts in Mind: Art as a Mental Health

I was invited to attend the Arts in Mind: Art as a Mental Health panel discussion at MOMA....which led on from the exhibition opening that i previously attended last week.

The panel and audience debated over whether Art is a result of Mental Health OR Art results in Mental Health?? This contrast really engaged the conversation and we began discussing the debate on Process / Product and the differences between an Artist and Art Therapist. I feel strongly about all of these subject matters so it was interesting listening to multiple individuals with many backgrounds.

However - what came out of this discussion for me was the reality that 'Art Takes Courage' for those involved whether its a famous artist or individual with mental health or dementia. By trying out techniques, colours, scales and patterns really is decided by the particpants themselves, in the help of emotion and well-being.

I'd like to finish with this quote by Edward Hopper:

"If i could say it in words i would have no need to paint".

A truly inspiring discussion.....

MOMA - Art Exhibitions...

I finally got the chance to explore the many galleries at MOMA....and oh my it was unbelievable with a range of interative and contemporary pieces alongside traditional, very well known artists such as Monet, Joseph Cornell and Francis Bacon too. I think i will need to go back in the next couple of weeks to look some more as there was so much to take in!!

The sculpture garden was also visually exciting and with this hot weather - a stunning water garden to sit and reflect in too...

I feel ever so priveleged to have been working closely with MOMA's educators and Access Programs and look forward to the off-site program's in the next few weeks...

Columbas Day Parades!!!

Columbas Day - a bank holiday for most Americans...the streets were full of people awaiting the Parades and they took place from 11:30 until 3pm - from downtown Manhattan right up to the other side of Central Park....

Piecing all Research together...

Over the next couple of days i am going to begin pieicing and writing up various research which i have observed and collected in the previous weeks. This will eventually be part of my final report for the Winston Churchill Trust.

Times Square..

New York Public Library...

I ventured to the reading room on the third floor of New York Public Library - to get writing and complete reading....it was such a stunning building - i had to stop my wondering eye looking at the fantastic Architecture...

It was such an inspring location to begin piecing my research together. I will going back here again for sure!!!