Creative Care (A Revolutionary Approach to Dementia and Elder Care)

A MacArthur Genius Grant recipient pioneers a radical change in how we interact with our older loved ones, especially those suffering from dementia, as she introduces a proven drug-free method that uses the creative arts to bring light and joy to elderly lives.

Today’s elderly—especially those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s—are often isolated in nursing homes or segregated in senior facilities, making the final years of life feel lonely and devoid of meaning. To alleviate seniors’ sense of aloneness, Dr. Anne Basting has developed a radical approach that combines theater and improvisation methods with medically supported therapies to help them get in touch with their own creativity and become more engaged with their families and communities.

Basting understands that trying to talk with those for whom the past and present are often mixed can be frustrating for both the patient as well as caretakers and family members. But there is way to pleasurably engage with them—imagination and creativity can help bridge the communications void and bring loved ones back to one other. 

Basting has developed creative techniques, rooted in twenty-five years of research, that draw on core exercises from theater—such as “Yes, And” and “Beautiful Questions.” This approach fosters storytelling and active listening, allowing patients to freely share ideas and stories without worrying about getting the details absolutely “correct.” Basting’s years of research have 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.

In Creative Care, Basting lays the groundwork for a widespread transformation in our approach to elderly care and uses compelling, touching stories to inspire and guide us all—family, friends, and health professionals—in new ways and satisfying ways.