A life fulfilling approach to living with dementia
Rock-Climbing with Dementia
Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) - Biddeford, Maine
Southern Maine Agency on Aging is pioneering a rock-climbing program for underserved, culturally and economically diverse
older adults living with dementia and their care partners. By embracing adventure and exploration, adaptive rock climbing
redefines the possibilities by offering a novel approach to promoting health, resilience, and joy in participants’ lives. As care
partners connect with others facing similar challenges in the climbing gym, they also benefit from respite and support. This
program reinforces an important principle at SMAA: “Respite with” older adults living with dementia for caregivers, rather than
“respite from.”
Dementia Friendly Community Ambassadors
Bernardston Senior Center – Bernardston, MA
Spearheaded by an Ambassador who collaborates with and supports businesses in the community, this program builds age and
dementia friendly ways to authentically engage persons living with dementia and their care partners. The Ambassador will
educate community stakeholders and area businesses by providing a toolbox that includes key components - including ways to
communicate with people living with dementia and creating an inclusive atmosphere. This program seeks to build welcoming
communities for all.
Healing the Generations with Music
Poydras Home and The Children’s Hospital of New Orleans - New Orleans, LA
This Poydras Home program brings together elders living with dementia and adolescent patients at the Children's Hospital in a
music program, creating meaningful connections, collaboration, and social interaction. Sessions use music, lyrics analysis,
discussion, song writing, drum circles, musical play, relaxation, lyrics substitution, and movement as a basis of connection and
healing between generations. Music – the universal and open-minded language of healing – is the conduit of connection,
meeting the social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual needs of both groups.
Meet Me: Community Outings
Insight Memory Care Center (IMCC) – Fairfax, VA
Using an integrated approach, Insight Memory Care Center will launch a series of brain supportive outings for people living with
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) or early-stage dementia, and their family members or friends. The outings support a variety of
brain health and wellness domains, such as physical activity, healthy eating, social activity, new learning/cognitive stimulation,
reducing stress, animal therapy, sensory stimulation, creative expression, and community engagement. The overall purpose is to
encourage peer support and socialization between families, who otherwise feel isolated due to symptom changes and stigma of
the diagnosis. Staff and volunteers at IMCC provide on-site support to families during these outings to ensure a positive
experience.
The How You Are to Me Children’s Book
Electronic Bass Entertainment Inc. – New York, New York
This innovation represents a groundbreaking creation and development of a children’s book for children and their family
members avoiding the ubiquitous “Granny’s sick” narrative. The text and illustrations combine non-pharmacological approaches
to interact with persons living with dementia, together with improv techniques employing How You Are to Me Approach. The
goal of this book is to demonstrate the Hope Narrative, rather than the “don’t be afraid” narrative that many dementia-focused
children’s books model. The book will provide information in bite-sized pieces, easy to digest and understand, teaching one
technique per book panel, intertwining the words with impactful and playful illustrated art. The book will promote a better way to
communicate, for both young readers (and any age range that reads it).
Women Writers Empowerment Program
The International Women's Writing Guild at Roger Williams University - Bristol, RI
The International Women's Writing Guild at Roger Williams University aims to empower women writers living with dementia by
providing them with a supportive environment to engage their passion for writing. The program will launch with a specialized
track at the International Women’s Writing Guild (IWWG) 3-day in-person conference where participants can explore various
writing techniques, share their stories, and connect with a community of fellow writers, caregivers, and supporters. Participants
will have the option to attend sessions tailored to their interests and abilities, with additional support available for those who may
need assistance due to their dementia diagnosis. Without this program these writers would be unable to attend.
Trauma-Informed Therapies
2LIife Communities Inc. – Boston, MA
The newly designed Expressive Therapy (ET) programs at 2Life Communities will learn about incorporate the latest strategies to
recognizing and responding to participants’ trauma experiences. The goal is to better help residents manage their trauma and
allow for mind and body relief. 2Life will focus on a greater understanding of the neurological underpinnings of trauma and
stress, incorporating activities that promote bilateral stimulation, intentionally engaging the wiring of alternating sides of the
body and brain. The inclusion of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing – EMDR – is a mental health treatment
technique designed to help individuals heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. By incorporating elements of
EMDR in the Expressive Therapy, 2Life intends to deepen residents’ meaningful self-expression and authentic engagement.
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Past Innovative Grants
Contact: executivedirector@imstillhere.org PHONE: 781-816-5151 EMAIL: info@imstillhere.org
I'm Still Here PO Box 323 Lexington, MA 02420
2024 Innovation Program Award Recipients
Innovation Programs Grants
I’m Still Here is dedicated to helping persons living with dementia to flourish by supporting nonpharmacological engagement
programs. ISH provides seed funding for innovative programs that demonstrate effectiveness in utilizing the I’m Still Here
Principles which underscore the importance of engaging persons living with dementia and their care partners in all aspects of
community and family life.
I’m Still Here invites applications from individuals, community organizations, nonprofits and others for support. Seed funding may
be awarded for up to $10,000 for new innovative programs which typically fall within two categories as described here.
The Arts
Based on its decades-long success creating innovative arts and cultural programs for persons living with dementia, I’m Still Here
recognizes the value of all the arts in engaging persons living with dementia. As John Zeisel wrote in his ground-breaking book,
I’m Still Here: A New Philosophy of Alzheimer’s Care, “Art touches and engages the brain in a more profound way than other
activities. Arts exist in every community, such as a local historical society, community theatre, school play or local musical group.”
Community Programs
A fundamental principle of I’m Still Here is engagement in life, in family, in community. Engagement in community provides
meaning, dignity, and acceptance for persons living with dementia, their care partners and the community at large. I’m Still Here
supports programs that embrace the local community as a way to help individuals facing Alzheimer’s and dementia. Community
theaters, parks, libraries, animal shelters, county fairs, fruit orchards and many other venues can be places for engaging activities
that serve those living with dementia and help reduce fear of dementia and related stigmas.
A life fulfilling approach to living with dementia
Innovation Programs Grants
I’m Still Here is dedicated to helping persons living with
dementia to flourish by supporting nonpharmacological
engagement programs. ISH provides seed funding for
innovative programs that demonstrate effectiveness in
utilizing the I’m Still Here principles which underscore
the importance of engaging persons living with
dementia and their care partners in all aspects of
community and family life.
I’m Still Here invites applications from individuals,
community organizations, nonprofits and others for
support. Seed funding may be awarded for up to $10,000
for new innovative programs which typically fall within
two categories as described here.
The Arts
Based on its decades-long success creating innovative
arts and cultural programs for persons living with
dementia, I’m Still Here recognizes the value of all the
arts in engaging persons living with dementia. As John
Zeisel wrote in his ground-breaking book, I’m Still Here:
A New Philosophy of Alzheimer’s Care, “Art touches
and engages the brain in a more profound way than
other activities. Arts exist in every community, such as a
local historical society, community theatre, school play or
local musical group.
Community Programs
A fundamental principle of I’m Still Here is engagement
in life, in family, in community. Engagement in
community provides meaning, dignity, and acceptance
for persons living with dementia, their care partners and
the community at large. I’m Still Here supports programs
that embrace the local community as a way to help
individuals facing Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Community theaters, parks, libraries, animal shelters,
county fairs, fruit orchards and many other venues can
be places for engaging activities that serve those living
with dementia and help reduce fear of dementia and
related stigmas.
Contact: executivedirector@imstillhere.org
PHONE: 781-816-5151 EMAIL: info@imstillhere.org
I'm Still Here PO Box 323 Lexington, MA 02420
2023 Innovators
Field Trips to Windrush Farms
Windrush Farms – North Andover, MA
Bringing people living with dementia into friendly
relaxed contact with horses and ponies is the basis of
this program. For some participants, this is a new
experience that brings them into contact with animals.
For others, an earlier familiarity with horses is rekindled.
I’m Still Here Foster Pet Home
Martha’s Vineyard Center for Living – Vineyard Haven,
MA
The Center For Living hosts a number of programs for
people living with dementia and with this grant the
Center has opened a small foster care program for pets
awaiting adoption. Participants are having fun visiting,
caring for and looking after an assortment of animals,
including birds, hamsters and a donkey.
Libro de Arte Para Nosotros / Art Book for Us
Silverbright Circle – New Rochelle, NY
Artist and art therapist Elizabeth Gronke received an
Innovation Grant to create Libro de Arte Para Nosotros /
Art Book for Us: a high quality picture book illustrated
with artworks from around the world. The book will
include broad, open-ended questions that facilitate
shared communication among people living with
dementia and their care partners.
Marion Waterfront Memory Café Community
Excursions
Marion Council on Aging – Marion, MA
Dedicated staff from the Marion Council on Aging's
Waterfront Memory Café program have a new
opportunity to take groups of up to fifty program
participants on the road in this series of year round
outings not previously available to them. This year local
historic landmarks such as Ned's Lighthouse in
Mattapoisett, and a Cape Cod Canal cruise, are on the
agenda.
S.O.A.R. (Shared Outdoor Adventures for Resilience)
Hikes
University of Washington Medicine's Memory and Brain
Wellness Center – Seattle, WA
The S.O.A.R. program engages people living with
younger-onset Alzheimer’s – often underserved by
community services. Monthly small group hikes are
organized and led by the University of Washington team
in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation and
encourage adventure and connection with others in the
Seattle area.
Therapeutic Drumming for Dementia
Ohio Living Foundation – Westerville, OH
Ohio Living is offering an exciting new drumming
program to residents in Breckenridge Village and Mount
Pleasant. Regular participation in therapeutic drumming
circles reduces symptoms of dementia, such as
aggression, agitation, anxiety, and apathy. As a fun
bonus, residents’ families and caregivers also participate!
Want to Clay?
Joy’s House – Indianapolis, IN
Joy’s House innovative program has hired renowned
artist Barb Zech to guide participants through various
clay art techniques to encourage their creative potential.
Small groups of people living with dementia are invited
to join a weekly pottery studio session designed to
harness the transformative power of art. The pottery that
is created will be used in meals and activities at the
center.
Visit our website on your Computer for a
complete list of previous years innovators