Abstract: “There is currently a lack of published research on the effectiveness of a creative expression (CE) program known as TimeSlips (TS), which has the goal of improving quality of life and social connectedness for individuals in the mid to late stages of dementia. This study focused on measuring the impact of TS on the frequency and type of communicative exchanges and the relationship to social connectedness. A quasi-experimental design was conducted in a single long-term care facility with seven participants in the mid to late stages of dementia. A time-series analysis was used to assess change in communicative output and interactions. Positive communication changes in addition to maintained or improved quality of life were observed. Implementing a creative expression program such as TS for those in the middle to late stages of dementia improves social connectedness and communicative interactions.
From the Report: “In 2009, Grantmakers in the Arts (GIA) launched a series of initiatives to more proactively address topics of importance to its members. GIA is reaching out to grantmakers in other sectors working toward the same goals as arts funders to explore how they might collectively, make greater progress toward solutions. GIA’s Thought Leader Forums have served as a first step to bring together funders who are on parallel, but perhaps unconnected, paths to explore the possibilities of collaboration: Where is the common ground? How might better communication and information sharing with funders in other sectors expedite progress toward common goals? What could be the benefits of collaboration?”