STORYCARE | Bookings

TThe storycare approach was co-created by Melissa Tafler, Coordinator of the Arts and Health program at Baycrest, and Dan Yashinsky, storyteller and director of the Tellery. We offer training workshops as well as keynotes and panel presentations. Training sessions include hands-on activities, practical strategies, and an opportunity to practice skills development in all aspects of storytelling, storylistening, and storykeeping. As well, we offer access to a creatively structured e-learning module designed to provide an introduction to the concepts and skills involved in storycare. The module was created with support from Baycrest’s Centre for Aging and Brain Health Innovation. For information about accessing the module, please contact Melissa Tafler at mtafler@baycrest.org.

Please contact storycareproject@gmail.com for booking information about storycare training.

Workshop Outline

Workshops are suitable for up to 30 participants. A follow-up session will be conducted four weeks later to discuss the successes and challenges of implementing Storycare. All participants receive a “Tell Me Your Story!” button badge.

1

Introduction to Storycare Concepts

Dan and Melissa discuss their experiences introducing Storycare at Baycrest Health Sciences, with reference to working with residents with dementia; patients in rehab, psychiatry, and palliative care; family members; and interprofessional collaborations.

Learning & Skills: Participants gain a sense of how and why Storycare matters in healthcare for an aging population.

2

Storycare E-Learning Module

Facilitated by Dan and Melissa, the group will work through a Storycare e-learning module.

Learning & Skills: Participants learn how their own storytelling background (family stories, cultural stories, proverbs and sayings) can be brought into their practise; how responsive listening can open new opportunities for residents to express themselves; how the role of “storykeeper” is important when working with residents with limited cognitive/communication abilities.

3

Storycare in Action

We explore practical ways participants can make storycare part of their specific healthcare role. We practise the three elements of Storycare: storytelling, storylistening, storykeeping.

Learning & Skills: Participants learn how and when to share stories, to do active story-based listening, and to serve as storykeepers for residents with limited cognitive/communication abilities.