Storymaking and Creative Groupwork with Older People

'Crimmens's detailed guidelines provide directions useful for all professionals working with aging clients. Her book is a continuation of earlier innovative techniques (sensory training, reality orientation, remotivation therapy, etc) in group work with the elderly, to which this model is an inspiring, most welcome addition.'

- Readings: A journal of reviews and commentary in mental health

'Now, through this eminently practical book, people working with those who live with dementia have a key resoure to turn to... I have found it to be extremely effective in my own work with people living with dementia. This book is an imaginative and creative resource which I hope will become widely used in dementia care.'

- The Journal of Dementia Care

Paula Crimmens shows that working with older people can be made exciting and stimulating by using storymaking as a basis. Echoing the oral tradition of mankind, the book shows how to use a variety of traditional stories - including myths, folk tales and fairy stories - to work creatively with older people, particularly in groups. The book focuses around themes of empowerment and consolation, and includes groups of stories which can be used as a basis for discussion.

Adopting a holistic and person-centred approach, which incorporates emotional and social needs, the author shows how the use of creative storymaking can:

• provide an experience of community for people who may be very isolated
• raise self-esteem
• provide contact and communication
• sustain the attention of members of the group longer than would be possible in one-to-one work
• provide entertainment and reduce boredom. The author provides many practical ideas for group activities based on the stories.