The 6th International Conference on Creative Expression, Communication and Dementia is being held at the Waterfront Hotel Downtown Burlington in Burlington, Ontario, near Toronto, Canada, on October 3 & 4, 2011, with pre-conference workshops on Sunday, October 2, 2011 at the Sheridan Elder Research Centre (K-Wing) in Oakville, Ontario. The overall theme of the conference is Health, Aging and the Creative Arts. The conference welcomes the participation of academics, researchers, practitioners and the public at large. It provides an excellent opportunity for networking, exchanging ideas and gaining insights into new trends and developments that can improve the lives of well seniors and seniors with cognitive impairments.

Invited Speakers

Conference Themes

1. The evaluation of creative expression programs in aging and in dementia care
Reviewing the processes that have proved successful in identifying the needs of well clients and seniors with dementia using programs, such as life review, storytelling, reminiscence, music, drama and dancing, as well as the use of specific evaluation tools to identify those needs.

2. The expression of imagination in aging
How is imagination used by well older adults and people with dementia as they express their personal, cultural and spiritual experiences? Practitioners - recreation, art, music, dance, drama and occupational therapists and facilitators – are encouraged to discuss the design and implementation of activities or programs or changes to them, and/or how those changes have affected their clients.

3. Raising the bar of caring within organizations
How do creative approaches and the arts enhance satisfaction and teamwork and organizations? Administrators, care managers and researchers, where applicable, are encouraged to share their innovative solutions, programs and achievements.

Conference Program

View and Print Conference Brochure

View and Print Lectures' Description

View and Print Workshop Descriptions