$44.00 USD

98% rating - reviews

0.2  ASHA CEUs

Creative Connections In Dementia Care: Engaging Activities To Enhance Communication For People With Dementia #e141


Presenters: Jennifer A. Brush, MA, CCC-SLP & Rev. Katie Norris, M.Div.

Functional activities to use during therapy or as part of a maintenance program with individuals with dementia.


"I liked the common sense aspects of how to work with dementia patients and simplifying things for them with environment, simplified choices, and step by step instruction."

– C.L., prior course participant

Read more comments about this course!

This how-to course is packed with guidance and inspiration that will help Speech-Language Pathologists and Occupational Therapists discover the abilities of individuals with dementia. It provides ideas for developing functional activities to use during therapy, or as part of a maintenance program with individuals with dementia.

Creative Connections in Dementia Care is a successful art program for individuals with dementia. It brings peace, fun, and inspiration into the lives of many and plays an important role in enhancing communication and quality of life for individuals with dementia. When people are actively engaged in a meaningful leisure occupation that includes creative expression, stress is reduced, memories can be accessed, mood is elevated, and the individual is able to experience a sense of personal identity.

Course is offered for 0.2 ASHA CEUs – 2 Contact Hours.

Course Overview – Run Time: 2:04:49

  • Using art during speech therapy, or as part of a maintenance plan
  • Best practices in dementia care, including:
    • How memory works
    • Setting up a successful environment
    • Communication
      • Behavior is a form of communication
      • Asking the right questions
      • Task breakdown (Montessori method)
  • How to build on the art recipes provided, and to create your own for unlimited activities-based care

Content from this course is also included within course:

#e142: Navigating Neurocognitive Disorders: Step-by-Step Identification, Evaluation, Intervention and Collaboration.


"I liked the concept of using art to engage with adults with dementia. Also, the information on how to create an environment for creativity that is adult-friendly was great!"

– S.M., prior course participant

Read more comments about this course!

The content of this online CE course does not focus exclusively on any specific proprietary product or service. Presenter financial and non-financial disclosures may be found in the Presenter & Disclosures area.

Video PowerPoint presentation with author narration & downloadable handout. Stop and re-start the course at any point. Learners retain access to course content after completion for ongoing reference and review.

Reviews

"Accessibility of choice was a beneficial discussion. I liked that the course was aided with videos." P.S. (Jan. 2024)

"Beneficial to understand the underlying processes and difficulties of patients with dementia. Concrete ideas for modifying the environment to reduce stress and let the patient know what to expect." K.M. (Dec. 2023)

"I liked the use of activities." M.S. (Dec. 2023)

"I appreciate the acronym for CREATE by Elliot to share with others on the caregiver team so all can recall the valuable features of these techniques in caring for adults. I better understand how Creative Connections works with persons with dementia and how it might also be applied to neurological rehabilitation for adults, particularly art in stimulating communication/conversations. Thanks!" J.H. (Dec. 2023)

"Provided steps for tasks. I liked how course broke down ways to encourage the most successful completion of tasks." E.S. (Oct. 2023)

"Learning how to better engage patients. I liked the pace of this course." K.C. (Aug. 2023)

"The step-by-step breakdown and modeling of each step on the recipe cards was beneficial. I enjoyed seeing the art projects demonstrated by the instructors with real clients and caregivers." K.D. (Jul. 2023)

"Using art as a way to help maintain communication and executive function skills in people with dementia was beneficial. I liked learning how the Montessori teaching method is so appropriate for individuals with dementia." S.P. (Jul. 2023)

"The visual examples were helpful and will allow me to create a similar activity in my daily practice. I liked the real-world application and ability to develop skills with people who have dementia and do so in a fun and meaningful way." K.K. (Jun. 2023)

"The activities to practice with Dementia patients were beneficial. I liked that there were lots of concrete examples/videos for us to follow." R.N. (Apr. 2023)

"I liked watching the videos. This course offered a new way of approaching therapy for patients with dementia." S.K. (Mar. 2023)

"I took this course for a personal reason, as my father has dementia. Despite being a speech pathologist, it was important for me to hear others speak about modifications for those with dementia, as I now have to change the way that I speak to my father so that he can comprehend activities and directions. It was beneficial watching the videos of people with dementia taking part in the activities and seeing how tasks had to be modified when it was confusing for them." (Feb. 2023)

"I liked the recipe card activities. And the knowledge and encouragement towards using art to reach my patients with dementia and to educate the family how to utilize the art tasks at home." A.W. (Jan. 2023)

"Functional for my patients." J.L. (Dec. 2022)

"I liked the tips on effective communication with dementia patients. And the tips on engaging a dementia patient in creative activities. Good videos and the handouts for offline reading were really helpful." H.J. (Dec. 2022)

"I liked everything - actual activities for patients." L.L. (Dec. 2022)

"I enjoyed the discussion of the Montessori philosophy of interacting with people with dementia. I also enjoyed the videos of working/guiding Bob and his caregiver in the art activity and ideas for other art activities." C.B. (Nov. 2022)

"Practical suggestions that could easily be modified. Strategies to ensure success for communication, decision making and attention." M.V. (Oct. 2022)

"Course had very specific activities. I was not aware of the benefits of art both in therapy and in personal life with people who have dementia." R.W. (Oct. 2022)

"Videos were informative and interesting. Learning how to frame steps for persons with dementia." Y.L. (Sept. 2022)

"Step by step process of tasks for activities. Easy to understand and implement." C.N. (Sept. 2022)

"I liked the methods of engaging persons with dementia and how the facilitation skills used during Creative Connection can be translated to ADLs. This course considers a broad-based group for persons with dementia rather than by severity as every person with dementia is unique and may present differently from others." N.Z. (Sept. 2022)

"Seeing the accompanying videos for the information presented in action was helpful." L.B. (Aug. 2022)

"I liked the compassionate concern and care for the individual with dementia and applying Montessori to the adult population." B.P. (Jul. 2022)

"All the examples (recipes) and videos were helpful." R.K. (Jul. 2022)

"I found the information about how memory works and how to set up a successful environment to be very helpful for daily practice. I liked that the presenters gave lots of visuals. I also liked that they used videos to demonstrate some techniques so that you could really understand how to implement the strategies." L.C. (June 2022)

"I liked the recipe ideas and procedures with templates for daily functional activities - liked the caring and "have fun with it" approach." K.B. (June 2022)

"Good videos. I liked the error free activities." R.P. (June 2022)

"I liked the explanations equating the generalization of recipes to functional daily living. Good video demonstrations." V.D. (June 2022)

"Very informative and easy to understand course. The videos were excellent." L.D. (May 2022)

"Learning that art and music are not vulnerable to dementia. Very interesting since I also have an art degree and I can use this with my dad who likes art and has a dx of dementia Alzheimer's."  (Mar. 2022)

"Learning to set up a successful environment and the ways a template can assist a person with dementia." M.S. (Dec. 2021)

"The material was clearly presented in a variety of formats, with lots of visual support and enough repetition to drive the points home. The idea of incorporating art into speech therapy practice was the best part." M.J. (Dec. 2021)

"I liked the concept of using art to engage with adults with dementia. Also, the information on how to create an environment for creativity that is adult-friendly was great!" S.M. (Dec. 2021)

"The information regarding ways to communicate with patients with dementia and ways to make a person with dementia more successful with ADLs or activities was beneficial." M.S. (Dec. 2021)

"Great art ideas and the connection of utilizing to enhance skills the artist already has – liked the emphasis on patient dignity by offering choice and purposeful activities." J.D. (Nov. 2021)

"Liked the emphasis on patient dignity. The demonstrations and examples were helpful learning tools." C.O. (Oct. 2021)

“The use of videos, along with the actual implementation of principles and procedures with clients was helpful.” C.V. (Sept. 2021)

"Learning the most effective communication style for the patient/artist that will carry over into ADL's can be learned through the art projects." L.H. (Jul. 2021)

"I liked the art recipes. I liked the common sense aspects of how to work with dementia patients and simplifying things for them with environment, simplified choices, and step by step instruction." C.L. (Apr. 2021)

"I enjoyed the emphasis on breaking tasks down into small steps allowing for success and assistance, guidance. The content was very basic but highlights important principles." K.K. (Mar. 2021)

"I appreciated the arts incorporated into skilled SLP practice." A.Z. (Feb. 2021)

Course Objectives

  1. Identify ways to use creative expression and preserved abilities to support communication skills.
  2. Describe and plan interventions that have the potential to yield functional and meaningful
    outcomes for persons with dementia.
  3. Describe how to incorporate care partners into treatment planning.

Northern Speech Services is an AOTA Approved Provider of professional development. Course approval #22734. This eCourse is offered at 0.2 CEUs, educational level Intermediate, 1. Domain of OT: Areas of Occupation; Client Factors; Performance Skills 2. OT Process: Evaluation; Intervention. The assignment of AOTA CEUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by AOTA.

Presenter & Disclosures

Jennifer A. Brush, MA, CCC-SLP, is an award-winning Dementia Educator, author, and consultant. Passionate about enriching the lives of people with dementia, Jennifer is on a mission to put the focus of care on the person’s preferences, interests, and abilities. With her 25 years of industry experience, including leading countless live national and international trainings, facilitating ground-breaking research, and managing innovative person-centered care projects for The Mayer-Rothschild Foundation, Jennifer flawlessly bridges the gap between care communities and the individuals they serve. Jennifer serves on the Association Montessori International Advisory Board for Montessori for Aging and Dementia and is the only person in the US teaching this international program.

Jennifer is the author of 5 nationally recognized books on dementia including the silver-medal winning Creative Connections in Dementia Care and I Care, the gold-medal winning work that also received a 5-star rating as a Reader Favorite. Jennifer is widely known for her revolutionary work in the Spaced Retrieval memory intervention, pioneering this area of study and publishing 2 books on the subject.

Speaker Disclosures:

Financial — Jennifer Brush is a presenter of online CE courses sponsored by Northern Speech Services; receives royalties.

Financial — Jennifer Brush is the author of "Meal Time Matters" and "Meal Time Matters at Home"; receives royalties.

Financial — Jennifer Brush is the author of "A Therapy Technique for Improving Memory: Spaced Retrieval" and "Environment and Communication Assessment Toolkit"; receives royalties.

Financial — Jennifer Brush is an editor and author for IDEAS Institute; receives consulting fees.

Financial — Jennifer Brush is the owner of Brush Development; ownership interests.

Nonfinancial — Jennifer Brush has no relevant nonfinancial relationships to disclose.

Rev. Katie Norris, M.Div., is the co-founder of the Carolyn L. Farrell Foundation for Brain Health. Her community ministry is devoted to helping people with mental illness and dementia live lives of meaning and purpose. Rev. Norris is a Unitarian Universalist minister with a specialty in pastoral care and communication for people with brain health illness and their families. She works to raise awareness and end stigmas associated with these illnesses through community outreach and public speaking. Rev. Norris received her BA from John Carroll University and her M.Div from Meadville Lombard Theological School. She is on the Board of Kendal at Home. She has received certification for training in Montessori-Based Dementia Care and to facilitate Opening Minds Through Art (OMA.) Rev. Norris is the co-author of Creative Connections in Dementia Care: Engaging Activities To Enhance Communication.

Speaker Disclosures:

Financial — Katie Norris is a co-presenter of online CE courses sponsored by Northern Speech Services; receives royalties.

Financial — Katie Norris is the co-author of "Creative Connections in Dementia Care"; receives royalties.

Financial — Katie Norris is a presenter of CE seminar sponsored by Carolyn L. Farrell Foundation for Brain Health; receives speaking fees.

Nonfinancial — Katie Norris is the co-founder of Carolyn L. Farrell Foundation for Brain Health.

Intended Audience / Accreditation

asha ce approved provider

This program is offered for 0.2 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate Level; Professional Area).

Intended Audience

  • Speech-Language Pathologists
  • OT

ASHA CEUs: NSS online courses are registered with ASHA and are offered for ASHA CEUs. The number of ASHA CEUs is noted above. Note that 0.1 ASHA CEU = 1 contact hour = equals 1 CEE.

ASHA CE Registry: During the enrollment process, if you select to receive ASHA credit for this course and if you provide your ASHA number, NSS will automatically submit your CEU information to the ASHA CE Registry after successful course completion (80% on post test). This submission happens once per month, during the first week of the month. For example, if you complete your course on November 7th, NSS will submit all November online course CEUs to ASHA during the first week of December. When ASHA inputs the information into their database, they will mark the course as completed on the last day of the month in which it was completed, so November 30th using this example. The certificate of completion available for you to print immediately, however, will reflect the actual completion date, November 7th in this example. Due to ASHA processing procedures please allow 2-3 weeks, from the submission date, for the course to appear on your ASHA transcript.

ASHA CEUs: Attendees must meet at least one of the following conditions in order to be eligible to earn ASHA CEUs:
  • Current ASHA Member
  • ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) Holder
  • Licensed by a state or provincial regulatory agency to practice speech-language pathology (SLP) or audiology
  • Credentialed by a state regulatory agency to practice SLP or audiology
  • Credentialed by a national regulatory agency to practice SLP or audiology
  • Engaged in a Clinical Fellowship under the supervision of an individual with their ASHA CCC
  • Currently enrolled in a master's or doctoral program in SLP or audiology

If an attendee is not an ASHA member or CCC holder but meets any of the above criteria, they may inform the ASHA CE Registry of their eligibility by visiting this site.

Licensing Boards: Most state licensing boards DO accept CEUs earned online (usually classified as home-study credits). Some state boards do, however, place a limit to the number of credits that can be earned via home study/online courses. For the most current information, we suggest that you contact your licensing board or agency to verify acceptance policies and/or any credit limits related to home-study courses prior to registering for this course.

Additional accrediting agencies by which Northern Speech is an approved CE provider:

  • California: NSS is approved as a provider of continuing education by the California Speech-Language Pathology & Audiology Board. Provider #PDP4. Online CEU limits may apply; please contact SLPAHADB for current online CEU acceptance policies.
  • Iowa: NSS is approved as a provider of continuing education by the Iowa Board of Speech Pathology and Audiology Examiners. Provider #169.
  • Kansas: NSS is approved as a provider of continuing education by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Provider #LTS-S0005.
  • Florida: NSS is approved as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board. Provider #SPA-026.

Frequently Asked Questions



Customer Support: Please phone 888.337.3866 or email info@northernspeech.com.

Course Completion Timeframe:

You have unlimited time to complete our online courses. You may log off and log on as often as you’d like to in order to complete all sections of a course.

However, completion dates are based on Eastern Standard Time. Therefore, if you need your CEUs by a certain date, be sure to complete the course test before 11:59pm EST on that date. For example, if you need CEUs before January 1st, you will need to complete the course test before 11:59pm EST on December 31st.

Content Access:

Access to course materials and content does not expire, even after completing the post test. You may continue to review course material by logging into your NSS account, clicking the My Online Courses tab, and then viewing your desired course.

Certificate of Completion:

On successful completion of the post test (80%), a certificate will be immediately available for download and/or printing. This certificate will include your name, date of completion (based on Eastern Time Zone, USA/Canada), and number of contact hours (CEUs / CEEs). Please note that CEUs are awarded on the date of successful test completion, not the date of course enrollment. Please ensure that you successfully complete the post test prior to any licensure renewal dates.

ASHA CE Registry Submission:

During the enrollment process, if you select to receive ASHA credit for this course and if you provide your ASHA number, NSS will automatically submit your CEU information to the ASHA CE Registry after successful course completion (80% on post test). This submission happens once per month, during the first week of the month. For example, if you complete your course on November 7th, NSS will submit all November online course CEUs to ASHA during the first week of December. When ASHA inputs the information into their database, they will mark the course as completed on the last day of the month in which it was completed, so November 30th using this example. The certificate of completion available for you to print immediately, however, will reflect the actual completion date, November 7th in this example. Due to ASHA processing procedures please allow 2-3 weeks, from the submission date, for the course to appear on your ASHA transcript.

Purchase Orders:

Purchase orders are currently not accepted for online orders, if you wish to submit a purchase order please do so at info@northernspeech.com or fax to 888-696-9655.

What is an Online Course?

Our Online Courses consist of video, audio, and/or text content and are offered for ASHA CEUs. Unlike a webinar, which requires participants to be logged on and at a computer at specific times, our Online Courses are available to you at any time, from any device, via your NorthernSpeech.com online account. You may work at your own pace and start and stop your course as you wish. Your course will conclude with a short post test. On successful completion of the post test (>80%), a printable certificate of completion is presented to you.

Receiving CEUs:

Northern Speech is an ASHA CE Provider and our online courses are registered with ASHA and offered for ASHA CEUs. Please note that successful completion of the online post test is required prior to the awarding of CEUs. Please contact your state licensing board for acceptance policies related to CEUs earned online. Please note that courses offered for university students are not applicable for CEUs.

Registering for an online course:

You may browse all online courses by clicking the Continuing Education tab above, then Online Courses. Once you find a course, click Enroll Now, and you will be asked to either log into your existing Northern Speech account or create a new online account. Once you’ve entered your account information and provided your credit card payment, your course will be immediately available to you.

Accessing your purchased course or returning to a purchased course:

You will be able to access your online course by logging into your Northern Speech account and then clicking the My Online Courses tab on your profile screen. Click the course you would like to start or to resume. From there, proceed through the course sections until you are ready to complete the post test. You do not have to complete your course all at once. You may log on and off as you wish.

Testing requirements:

Each online course concludes with a post test consisting of multiple choice or true & false questions. Scores of 80% or greater are required for successful course completion and awarding of CEUs. You may revisit course materials and retest as needed to achieve a passing score.

Number of CEUs offered:

We offer courses from 1 to 21 contact hours. Each course will note the number of CEUs offered. Please note that 0.1 CEU = 1 contact hour = 1 CEE.

State licensing boards and online CEUs:

NSS is an ASHA CE Provider and most state licensing boards DO accept ASHA CEUs earned online (usually classified as home-study credits). Some boards do, however, place a limit to the number of CEUs that can be earned via home study/online courses. For the most current information, we suggest that you contact your licensing board or agency to verify acceptance policies and/or any CEU limits related to home-study courses prior to enrolling in an online course.

Course formats:

Our course formats include: text, audio, video, and PowerPoint with author narration. Each course will note the format on the course description page. Most courses include closed captioning.

Course handouts:

Most of our online courses provide a link to download the accompanying handout as a PDF file. 

Group discounts:

Groups of 3 or more are eligible for a 20% discount on each registration on most of our online courses. To receive this discount, registrations need to be processed together via the "Group Rates" tab on the Online Course of your choice.

Computer requirements:

For our online courses to function best, we recommend that you update your computer to include the newest version of your Internet browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Internet Explorer, etc.) and newest version of your computer's operating system. Also a high-speed Internet connection is recommended (cable or DSL). Speakers or headphones will be required for many of our courses as many contain audio components.

Course Cancellation Policy:

A purchased online course can be exchanged, refunded, or transferred to another individual if contact is made with NSS (via phone or email) within 30 days of purchase and the course materials have not been viewed or downloaded. 

Special Needs:

Please click here for any special needs requests, and we will do our best to accommodate them. 

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