Creative Care

A Revolutionary Approach to Dementia and Elder Care

By: Anne Basting

Narrated by: Anne Basting

Length: 8 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's Summary

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, 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 25 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. 

©2020 Anne Basting (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers

5 Stars Isn't Enough

This was my third book on dementia this week and has been the most inspiring and touching. The author/narrator has a soothing voice that takes you on a journey through her experiences with individuals with dementia, both professional and personal.

My journey is just beginning and this book has opened up an entirely new realm for me to engage my dad. There are so many activities I'm planning to do with him now and I'm eagerly looking forward to his stories and smiles. I truly believe both our lives will be more enjoyable and enriched by using the ideas in this book.

An added benefit is I think it will also help me interact with my mother, which has been very difficult for most of my adult life.

I am so thankful for this book.

Mostly a book about the author

DNF at around 2/3rds. I was listening to this to try and find some helpful strategies for talking with my grandmother. I didn't particularly care about the author's journey (first third), or indeed about the stories of random people that took up the last third of the book. The central third is the only helpful part, and there I would have gained just as much meaning from a checklist, or a short brochure at best. It essentially boils down to improv principles with a dose of active listening, captured by:

1. Using 'yes, and...'. This is a technique in improv where you can't say 'no', you just have to roll with whatever's happening. Same principle applies here. Don't say 'no' to the person with dementia, roll with their interpretation of the world or reframe.

2. Asking 'beautiful questions'. Essentially open questions so that the person has agency and can create their own world (rather than being limited by yes/no answers to closed questions.

3. Proof of listening. Literally just active listening.

4. Connecting to the larger world. This basically means sharing your experiences or skills with others, and likewise for the older person (e.g. they can assist younger people with doing things they are expert in, or share stories with them).

5. Opening yourself to wonder. Know that you can't control the dementia, or if it happens/happened. She also talks about 'beautiful questions' (examples available on her website) to use them to explore what's going on (what would happen if....).

6. Cultivating moments of awe. Ask yourself what fills you (or the person you are caring for) with awe, create a list and talk about them. Possibly access them through art, e.g. drawing or writing about the thing that inspires awe.

A good read for anyone facing aging

the real life stories along with the authors thorough explanation and insight demonstrate just how important creative care is and should be part of the normal aging process.

Uplifting and inspirational

What a joy to listen to this audio book. I have changed my perception of the elders. Since this book, I have opened up the communication with my own older relatives and had a first day of music, dancing and singing. I am ashamed to say before the book, I had little patience and kept on correcting. Now I am embracing the voice and improvising. A whole new 'lightbulb moment' has happened, long may it prosper for the sake of my elders and myself. Thank you Anne, I have benefitted from your lifetime of research and experiences.

A beautiful person writes a beautiful book

If you ever need an argument for the author to read their own book this is it!

What an absolute treat to listen to someone with an amazing vision. It it is full of special moments and emotions.

Thank you!