In the last year the Society for the Arts in Dementia Care took part in three workshops in British Columbia. Click here for more details.

The board of directors discussed changing the format of the yearly conference by dividing it into sessions at smaller venues that may appeal more to our audience. Both options had their good points and down sides. The yearly event seems to generate more excitement and draw participants from far distances. It also has the potential to draw experts that prefer larger gatherings. The smaller venues were more intimate and draw participants that may shy away from bigger conferences. Regardless of the format, we felt that there was a tremendous need to get together to exchange ideas and show support for each other. 

The Board of the Society for the Arts in Dementia Care is excited about the up-coming conference: Mindscapes 2008. Preliminary information is available on our website. The Society was also instrumental in establishing a new site, the Dementia-Activities.com, that encourages dialog among caregivers, family and professionals who are interested in contacting others in the field of dementia care. This website opens in November 2007. 

Our Society is expanding. Our affiliate in Australia led by Hilary Lee, is doing great work in spreading the role of the Society and we are delighted to exchange knowledge, research projects and presenters with them. In the Mindscapes 2008 conference in Vancouver, we look forward to the addition of a strong delegation from Australia with presentations that would be very informative. 

In recent weeks I have spent time in Israel at a Centre for Alzheimer Care for residents with moderate to severe dementia. It was interesting to see that management, families and care staff faced similar problems and dilemmas borne out of an ever-present struggle over limited funds and the difference of opinions and priorities each profession brings to care, in general. There is no question in my mind how important it is to continue to educate staff,  whether in Canada or in Israel, about recent approaches to dementia care.

Talking to Hilary in Australia and learning about her experiences,  it became apparent that the Society for the Arts in Dementia Care fulfills an important role in helping caregivers find a more informed and suitable approach to dementia care with a special emphasis on creative activities.  We see the new Direct Forum link to be offered online as an extension of the Society where we can share with you our experiences and what we can learn from them.

We do understand the frustrations that facilitators of creative activities face. We know that some of them appear to be monumental stumbling blocks with no solutions in sight. However, if we quit, we let down our clients. In my own experience, I can see how our field of care is growing and so is its potential for making a difference.

Now our mission is to go out there and convince everyone that the arts are essential for all of us, especially for those with reduced cognitive and physical abilities.

On behalf of Hilary, Debbie and myself, we look forward to exchanging ideas with you on our Forum and learning from each other.

We look forward to you joining with us on the forum soon.