KlezKanada invites you to join us for a new online series, Arts in Jewish Elder Care. This series features three free workshops from artists and art therapists who work in elder care, introducing participants to their work and offering techniques and skills drawn from their practice.

As part of our ongoing commitment to reach out and provide intellectually engaging, culturally rich, and accessible content to senior communities, the Arts in Jewish Elder Care series is designed to provide training to artists who are interested in working with elders, individuals with dementia, hospice patients, and other individuals with special care needs. The series will also be of interest to caregivers looking to incorporate music and movement into their work.

These workshops are in partnership with the Cummings Jewish Centre for Seniors. This series is presented free, thanks to the generosity of the Zita and Mark Bernstein Family Foundation.

 

Pre-Series Linked event:

JQT Dying & Death Townhall
Feb 25, 2024
1:00 PM PST (4:00 PM EST)

https://www.jqtvancouver.ca/events/jqt-dying-death

Join our friends at JQT Vancouver for a townhall conversation on the status of Jewish queer trans dying and death services in BC next Sunday, Feb 25, at 4:00 PM EST (1:00 PM PST). Come to learn, bring your questions and voice your ideas. This hybrid event (in-person and virtual attendance) will be hosted by the JQT Seniors Initiative, and everyone is welcome, including those who are involved with Chevrah Kadisha (Jewish burial societies), synagogues, care and end-of-life services, funerals and burials. The JQT Seniors Initiative addresses knowledge gaps regarding healthcare concerns for older Jewish queer and/or trans people across BC. Please note that this event will prioritize questions from people in BC since the conversation is tailored to the BC context.

Register here (please note that registration for this event closes end-of-day Friday, February 23): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1vlUpZ_54TyxhgAx3uh7XjmjuADK-n0ah90OspFKZfuXA-w/viewform

Light the Corners of My Mind: Music, Dementia, and Jewish Community Care 
with Rachel Weston
Mar 3, 2024 11:00 AM EST (8:00 AM PST)

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErdO6ppzotG9eL-OijpKElHz0PDqzGQczi

Clinicians and social workers have long noted the powerful role music can play in reaching elders experiencing dementia. In many cases, people suffering through the isolation caused by extreme memory damage can experience remarkable emotional connection and intellectual stimulation through music. In Jewish tradition, music holds a special role as a keeper of memory and a form of memorialization. Given the special connection of music and memory in Jewish life, it makes sense to harness the power of music as an important tool to reach elders in the community suffering from dementia and memory loss. Cantor, musician, and caregiver Rachel Weston will discuss her experiences of music making with dementia patients and teach techniques for incorporating music into therapeutic practices.

Teach Your Elders Well 
with Steve Weintraub
Mar 10, 2024 2:00 PM EST (11:00 AM PST)

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErduqsrT8tGtFCH9L2DST30Cb3UWtQ7jIm

Teaching dance to seniors is hugely rewarding and is a niche that needs filling. In this workshop, Steve Weintraub will introduce approaches to presenting dance to seniors. Steve will discuss the whys and wherefores of selecting appropriate music and dance repertoire, offer advice and caveats, and discuss how to adapt dances for various levels of ability. Steve will present a number of dances that he has presented and we’ll analyze together why they work well. There will be time to discuss your ideas.

Steve Weintraub has had nearly 30 years of teaching dance to seniors and for the last 10 years he’s led a seated dance program for seniors called Dancin' in the Seats.

 

Best Practices for Music and Wellness for Seniors 
with Victoria McNeill
Mar 17, 2024 2:00 PM EST (11:00 AM PST)

Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZErdOysqDgvGdAZdVSUWXyceH-83cK_-ZWL

Music is a powerful tool for the human system, reaching deep memories, activating and calming our nervous systems, regulating and activating emotions, and so much more. In care settings, it can provide great support to people but is a tool that should be used with care and attention.

Victoria, a certified music therapist, will provide insight into what happens to our brains and bodies when music meets us, tools and tips for safely interacting with people in community music settings, and a framework for maximizing music's potential in care settings.