Bringing Them Closer to Shore: Connecting Distant Minds through a Collage Quilt Project

This project explores how to connect individuals with Alzheimer's disease to their family and the greater community through creating a collage quilt. Using a person-centered and relational art therapy approach as well as third hand techniques the researcher, staff and students at the host organization helped those with dementia create collage squares to contribute to a quilt that was arranged digitally and then printed out for sharing among the participants and families. The participants, with a range of enthusiasm for the project, were able to engage and feel a sense of accomplishment in their creative work. The format of collage allowed participants with dementia another way of communicating. Their personal meaning of the images they chose was shared, creating connection between all those who were part of the project. The pride and connection of the participants in this project highlighted the need for more acknowledgment of the ability rather than disability of those experiencing aging and disease like dementia as well as the importance of social connection in positively impacting the health and well-being of seniors. Further exploration of making connections between different ages and communities with those who have dementia may be an area of research in further studies of this topic.