Creative Arts Therapies in Dementia Care Symposium

Our team at Miya Creative Care is passionate about empowering and enriching the lives of those living with a dementia diagnosis with the Creative Arts Therapies. We want to connect with the Creative Arts Therapies communities and dementia care communities at large to share the latest in practice, research, and innovation.

We hope you can join us for MCC's 1st Annual Creative Arts Therapies in Dementia Care Symposium

Symposium Agenda:

9:00am - 9:45am: Deconstructing Assumptions About How Music Helps Persons Living with Dementia - Laurel Young, Phd, MTA

9:45am - 10:30am: Embracing Art Therapy in Dementia Care: An Experiential Workshop - Natalie Bochenska

10:30am - 10:45am: Break

10:45am - 11:45am: How the Creative Arts Have Touched Our Lives and the Lives and Those We Care for : A Panel Discussion with Kevin Whitaker, Maria Moliner, Ron Boleno, Nathan Posterato, Moderated by Miya Adout

11:45am - 12:45pm - Lunch Break

12:45pm - 1:15pm - Leveraging the Creative Arts Therapies for Effective Resident Engagement and Wellness - Nathan Poserato

1:15pm - 1:45pm - Associative Memory and Recall with Singing-Based Experiences - Hayley Francis Cann

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1:45pm - 2:00pm - Closing  Remarks and Giveaway

Learning Outcomes: 

1. Understanding the Role of Creative Arts Therapies: Attendees will gain a thorough understanding of the role and benefits of the creative arts and creative arts therapies including music therapy and art therapy in dementia care.
2. Practical Application and Integration Strategies: Participants will learn about the practical application of creative arts therapies, along with strategies for their effective integration into diverse care settings to meet individual needs.
3. Insights from Varied Perspectives: Through panel discussions and presentations, attendees will garner insights from a broad spectrum of perspectives, including those of caregivers, artists, writers, and people living with dementia.
4. Navigating Challenges in Implementing Creative Arts Therapies: The symposium will equip participants with knowledge and strategies to navigate potential challenges that may arise when implementing creative arts therapies in dementia care.
5. Building a Holistic Care Approach: By the end of the symposium, participants will have a greater understanding of how to incorporate the creative arts therapies.

Presentation Descriptions:

Deconstructing Assumptions About How Music Helps Persons Living with Dementia - Laurel Young, Phd, MTA

Dr. Laurel Young is an Associate Professor of Music Therapy at Concordia University (Montreal) and the Associate Director of engAGE, Concordia’s Centre for

Research on Aging. She has been a music therapy clinician, researcher, supervisor, educator, and advocate for 27+ years.

This presentation will highlight key points of a philosophical inquiry (chapter in press) that integrates scholarly evidence/knowledge and real-world experience to deconstruct assumptions, broaden ideas, and initiate new conversations about how music can help, specifically within reconceptualized (i.e., destigmatized and inclusive) notions of dementia, dementia care, and music therapy. Dr. Young will also briefly touch upon some evolving perspectives and her current research.

Embracing Art Therapy in Dementia Care: An Experiential Workshop - Natalie Bochenska

Natalie Very B. is a Polish-Canadian Artist, Art Therapist (DTATI) and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying). In her practice, Natalie uses a combination of art-making, somatic practices, mindfulness, and narrative parts work to address trauma histories of her adult clients. She recognizes that authentic artistic self-expression has helped her on a profound personal level and that it continues to inform her extensive work with diverse communities. Natalie is devoted to her private art psychotherapy practice and organizing community-based healing art-making workshops for adults.

How the Creative Arts Have Touched Our Lives and the Lives and Those We Care for : A Panel Discussion with Kevin Whitaker, Maria Moliner, Ron Boleno, Nathan Posterato, Moderated by Miya Adout

Join us for a powerful and engaging panel discussion, 'How the Creative Arts Therapies Have Touched Our Lives'. This panel brings together a diverse group of individuals including caregivers, writers, artists, and those living with dementia, to share their unique experiences with creative arts therapies. From personal journeys to practical applications, the panelists will delve into the transformative impact of these therapies on their lives or the lives of their loved ones. Listen to their compelling stories, learn from their insights, and discover how creative arts therapies can serve as a potent tool in dementia care. Whether you are a caregiver, a patient, or a professional in the field, this panel will provide a heartening perspective on the intersection of art, care, and the human experience."

Leveraging the Creative Arts Therapies for Effective Resident Engagement and Wellness - Nathan Poserato

In his presentation, "Leveraging the Creative Arts Therapies for Effective Resident Engagement and Wellness", Nathan will explore the pivotal role creative arts therapists play in enhancing resident engagement and overall wellness in care settings ranging from independent living to memory care. He will impart practical strategies on the most effective ways to integrate creative arts therapies into care homes. By sharing real-life examples, Nathan aims to illuminate the profound impact these integrated creative arts therapies can have on residents' quality of life and community vibrancy.

Associative Memory and Recall with Singing-Based Experiences - Hayley Francis Cann

Hayley Francis Cann (she/her) is a Bermudian/Canadian certified music therapist and co-founder of Synergy Music Therapy & Wellness Services. She is an author, podcaster, presenter and the serving President for the Canadian Association of Music Therapists.

Beloved smells and visual cues are often triggers for recall and reminiscence. Music and singing can also be used to cue meaningful recall in persons with Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias. Learn about the benefits of associative memory, observe tangible examples of this work in practice, and sing along with certified music therapist Hayley Francis Cann in this presentation.