Unlocking Joy through Reading: Enhancing quality of life in dementia care with reading specialist, Susan Ostrowski

Have you heard these common myths about reading to individuals with dementia? Myth 1: People with dementia can't understand or enjoy reading. Myth 2: Reading is a solitary activity and won't benefit socialization. Myth 3: It's too late to start reading to someone with dementia. In this episode, Susan Ostrowski debunks these myths and shares the truth about the impact of the Reading2Connect program on individuals with dementia. In her work, Susan has learned that people with dementia can continue to enjoy reading and often find it brings opportunities for socialization and leadership. In this episode, you’ll learn: How the Reading2Connect® program can improve socialization and connection for individuals with dementia, leading to a better quality of life.The importance of selecting meaningful and clinically appropriate reading materials for individuals with cognitive impairments and how it can enhance their engagement and comprehension.How incorporating visual elements in reading materials can further enhance engagement and comprehension for individuals with dementia.About the success of the Reading2Connect® program in receiving funding and interest from libraries and organizations and how it's positively impacting the community.Insights into empowering individuals with dementia through leadership roles in reading and discussion groups, allowing them to foster a sense of purpose and autonomy. About Susan Ostrowski: Susan Ostrowski is a highly experienced speech pathologist and the creator of the Reading2Connect® program. With a remedial reading and speech background, Susan has devoted her career to helping individuals with cognitive impairments. Recognizing the impact of dementia on reading abilities, Susan embarked on a mission to develop materials that cater specifically to this population's needs. Through extensive field testing and collaboration with healthcare professionals, she has successfully created over 50 booklets that engage and resonate with individuals living with dementia. Susan's program addresses cognitive challenges such as organizational thought, sustained focus, and working memory, offering a unique approach to reading and comprehension. Her work has gained recognition and support, including partnerships with organizations like AGE-u-cate® and collaborations with libraries. Susan's dedication to improving the quality of life for individuals with dementia through reading is making a significant impact in the field, providing caregivers and individuals with valuable resources and opportunities for connection. After the episode, view these videos to see the program in action:  Bk Stand Falls logo.ChaseCity.mp4 Small Group Res-Directed.MOV Rosa Parks 4.mp4 Connect with Susan: Website LinkedIn About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please visit https://alzauthors.com/donate/ . Thank you for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast. Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network. Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know. Shop our Store  

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Welcome to the AlzAuthors podcast! We’re so glad you found us. We are the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer's and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Join us as one of our authors shares their dementia journey, revealing intimate details and painfully obtained knowledge to help others currently on this path. We hope our stories offer comfort and support as we strive to break the silence and stigma surrounding a dementia diagnosis. May one of our authors speak to your experience. For more info please visit https://alzauthors.com. Featuring Marianne Sciucco, RN Podcast producer and host Marianne Sciucco is a co-founder and director at AlzAuthors and a registered nurse who cared for hundreds of dementia patients over a 20-year career. She provided care to her stepfather during his dementia journey and witnessed the painful decline of four beloved aunts to the disease. Her novel, "Blue Hydrangeas, an Alzheimer’s love story," is based on a couple she met through her work and is a testament to the power of love in the face of this heart-wrenching disease. Learn more about Marianne at AlzAuthors.com. Purchase "Blue Hydrangeas" Featuring Christy Byrne Yates, M.S., LEP Christy is a Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP), retired school psychologist, author, speaker and coach/consultant. Her book, “Building a Legacy of Love: Thriving in the Sandwich Generation” recounts her journey as a working mother of two who also managed the care of her parents, both of whom had some form of dementia. Combining her lived experience with her professional expertise in human development, wellness and a strengths based approach to finding solutions, Christy develops content, workshops and coaching to support Sandwiched families. She incorporates meditation, mindfulness and other evidence based mind/body practices into her work. She’s worked with care communities, financial professionals, estate planners and employers. Christy has a master’s degree in counseling psychology, and graduate credentials in both education and school psychology. Learn more about Christy at AlzAuthors.com. AlzAuthors is an Amazon Affiliate and may receive a small commission on book sales at no cost to you.