Culture Bus Inside and Out

Culture Bus Inside and Out brings cultural experiences and socialization with visits to cultural venues, artist studios and restaurant dining into the weekly routine of individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The program provides hands-on involvement in creative arts, mental stimulation, cultural enrichment and socialization. Culture Bus Inside and Out is the 2008 recipient of The Rosalinde Gilbert Innovations in Alzheimer's Disease Caregiving Legacy Award, Creative Expression Category.

Organization:

CJE SeniorLife

Non profit organization responds to the needs of older adults and their families with a range of services including health care and rehabilitation, housing and community based services (such as in home care, home delivered meals and more). CJE serves 16,000 clients and their families in metropolitan Chicago on an annual basis.

Location:

Chicago, IL

How does it work?

Culture Bus Inside and Out meets once a week for forty weeks per year. Meetings are supervised by one CJE staff person who is trained in art therapy, counseling and dementia and acts as planner and facilitator. Outdoor sessions last six hours and offer participants meaningful cultural experiences and socialization with visits to cultural venues, artist studios and restaurant dining. Past trips have included: a glass blowing studio, a yoga/meditation center, and the Museum of Lapidary Art. During the five hour indoor sessions, participants engage in expressive art activities and also dine together. Inside activities have included: a drumming circle, improvisational drama, poetry writing and oil painting. The paintings were exhibited in a professional gallery.

Why is it successful?

Evaluations conducted by Northwestern University included satisfaction surveys, focus groups and phone interviews with participants and caregivers several times per year. These evaluations have consistently shown that through creative arts, the individual gains outlets for self-expression, improved self-esteem, and improved communication with family caregivers.

For more information: www.cje.net