Our Mission:
I’m Still Here (ISH) helps people living with
dementia to flourish through engagement in life,
family and community. ISH supports programs
that engage persons living with dementia and
their care partners in arts, culture and
community. ISH seeks to spread the message of
hope and possibility, especially to underserved
individuals and communities.
Contact: ED@imstillhere.org PHONE: 781-816-5151 EMAIL: info@imstillhere.org
I’m Still Here 7 Wainwright Road #35 Winchester, MA 01890
A life fulfilling approach to living with dementia
The I’m Still Here principles are the core. We are committed to promoting the principles and to helping others learn
what they mean and how they can be implemented in dementia care programs. Starting in 2022, I’m Still Here will
organize an annual virtual seminar about the I’m Still Here principles featuring leading experts, ISH innovators, and
persons living with dementia.
The I’m Still Here principles are grounded by love, joy, purpose and meaning. The principles underscore the humanity of
every person including those with dementia. They are designed to ensure DIGNITY….. give HOPE ….. and MAKE A
DIFFERENCE.
I’m Still Here Principles
1. STILL HERE: Engage the full person – their attention, enjoyment, and creativity – not just a part; they are still here.
2. AUTHENTIC ENGAGEMENT: Offer present moment activities that authentically engage immediate attention with no
need for recall or planning.
3. PURPOSEFUL: Generate opportunities for purpose and meaning through activities that each person cares about,
including inviting them to help and support others.
4. SELF EXPRESSION: Use all the senses in creative arts to enable persons living with dementia to learn to express
themselves.
5. COMPETENCE: Encourage each individual to use their own knowledge and abilities, as well as to master new skills.
6. CHOICE: Respect each person’s choices; involve them in decisions that affect them.
7. SHARING ENGAGEMENT: Integrate care partners into activities so as to support care partners and reinforce existing
relationships.
8. COMMUNITY: Access and use venues and resources in the community when possible, so as to embed engagement
programs in the community.
9. REACH OUT: Engage persons with dementia living at home as well as in other settings.
10. SPREAD THE WORD: Keep family and community partners informed about innovative programs that authentically
engage persons living with dementia
Meet our Team
Meet our Partners
Here are a few key developments over the years . . .
Our Mission:
I’m Still Here (ISH) helps people living with
dementia to flourish through engagement in life,
family and community. ISH supports programs
that engage persons living with dementia and
their care partners in arts, culture and
community. ISH seeks to spread the message of
hope and possibility, especially to underserved
individuals and communities.
Contact: Mary Anne Grant PHONE: 781-816-5151 EMAIL: info@imstillhere.org
I’m Still Here 7 Wainwright Road #35 Winchester, MA 01890
A life fulfilling approach to living with dementia
The I’m Still Here principles are the core. We are
committed to promoting the principles and to
helping others learn what they mean and how
they can be implemented in dementia care
programs. Starting in 2022, I’m Still Here will
organize an annual virtual seminar about the I’m
Still Here principles featuring leading experts, ISH
innovators, and persons living with dementia.
The I’m Still Here principles are grounded by love,
joy, purpose and meaning. The principles
underscore the humanity of every person
including those with dementia. They are
designed to ensure DIGNITY….. give HOPE …..
and MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
Dignity
• Positivity: Encourage the person to use their
skills and abilities to succeed and to master new
skills.
• Respectful: Respect each person’s choices,
wishes and capacities.
• Meaningful: Create meaning in the life of each
person by helping them give to and share with
others.
• Relational: Reinforce relationship with care
partners.
Engagement
• Acceptance: Engage the full person – they are
still there.
• Creative: Use the arts and all the senses to
engage persons living with dementia.
• Inclusive: Include and involve all care partners in
programs and activities.
• Open-minded: Employ all methods to reduce
medications.
Community
• Comprehensive: Reach persons with dementia
living at home and in other settings.
• Involved: Include all persons living with
dementia in their communities.
• Inventive: Take advantage of existing
community resources.
Education
• Encouragement: Help everyone living with
dementia to learn and grow.
• Enlighten: Inform individual & community
partners in positive new ways to engage persons
living with dementia.
Meet our Partners
