Improv for Caregivers

An online interactive and experiential workshop for caregivers of dementia and Alzheimer's to gain new communication skills using improv.
About this Event
This program is FREE to Dallas and Collin County residents and funded by the AWARE Fund of The Dallas Foundation. All other residents can make a Pay What You Can Donation to register.

Why Improv:
Flexibility. Adaptability. Spontaneity. Listening. Courage. Generosity. Acceptance. Trust. These are all characteristics of an excellent caregiver. They are also qualities of an excellent improv comedy performer. These worlds are parallel and the Improv for Caregivers class builds upon these parallels. Employing improv games and exercises, we provide caregivers with the methods to become better at what they do. Above are characteristics of an excellent caregiver. They are also qualities of an excellent improvisational performer. These worlds are parallel. This workshop uses and builds on these parallels. Employing theater games with creativity exercises, we provide caregivers with the methods to become better at what they do.

The concepts and techniques taught in this workshop will benefit both the caregiver and their loved one. Caregivers can relieve stress and form a more joyful bond with the person they are caring for. In turn, their loved one is also less frustrated and agitated and has an increased quality of life.

This workshop will focus on the following through interactive improv activities:

Understanding your loved one’s new and changing perspective of their environment.
New Nonverbal and Verbal ways to communicate with your changing loved one.
Listening and responding to difficult behaviors such as confusion, outbursts, and agitation
How to step into your loved one’s new world and respond appropriately instead of reality checking.
Diffusing difficult behavior.
Mindfulness techniques for you and your loved one to cope with stress.

Taught by psychotherapist and Improv for Life Program Director, Andrea Baum and Artistic Director of Stomping Ground Comedy Theater, Lindsay Goldapp.

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