The Art of Connection: How Creativity Transforms Dementia Care with Mary Crescenzo
Connection is key in dementia care. Discover the transformative power of arts engagement for people living with dementia in this inspiring conversation with Mary Crescenzo, author of “The Planet Alzheimer’s Guide: 8 Ways the Arts Can Transform the Life of Your Loved One and Your Own.”
In this heartfelt episode, a replay of an Aging & Amazing Books & Chit Chat discussion, Mary shares her decades of experience using various art forms to connect with and enrich the lives of people living with cognitive decline. From her early days as an art teacher to becoming a pioneering voice in arts engagement for dementia care, Mary offers practical, accessible ways to bring creativity into caregiving.
You’ll learn:
- Simple ways to incorporate music, visual arts, movement, and storytelling into daily care
- How creative expression can bridge communication gaps
- The importance of intergenerational engagement through art
- Self-care strategies for caregivers through creative writing
- Ways to implement arts activities in both home and facility settings
Mary’s Key Messages for Caregivers:
- Everyone has innate creative abilities
- Art activities don’t require expensive materials or special training
- Focus on the present moment rather than past relationships
- Celebrate and display creative works
- Don’t give up if first attempts aren’t successful
Quote: “Art brings joy into the darkness of this disease.” – Mary Crescenzo
After the Podcast
Download Mary’s Tip Sheet: 7 Tips for Connection and Communication through the Arts
Get the book: The Planet Alzheimer’s Guide by Mary Crescenzo
Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission on book sales at no cost to you or the author.
Read her AlzAuthors Blog
Catch the Dementia & the Arts Podcast Episode
Follow Mary
Listen to her co-hosted show: Dementia and the Arts on Alzheimer’s Speaks
Resources mentioned:
- Mary’s Caregiver Tip Sheet: “8 Ways to Use Arts for Engagement”
- Learn more about Mary’s play “Planet A” and the inner world of Alzheimer’s:
Remember: You don’t need to be an artist to engage in creative activities with your loved one. As Mary says, creativity is an innate human ability that can bring connection and joy to the dementia journey.
About the Podcast
AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others.
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