News Release

Dementia Storytelling Project Comes to North Carolina

November 4, 2003

The National TimeSlips Training Program has announced the creation of two new Regional Training Bases located in North Carolina. The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and The University of North Carolina at Wilmington will participate in a regional training retreat in November 2003 that will certify official TimeSlips trainers in North and South Carolina.

The National TimeSlips Program is based at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee's Center on Age and Community. TimeSlips is a storytelling method that frees people with dementia from the anxiety over memory by encouraging them to use their imaginations. Studies suggest it significantly improves communication among people with dementia.

The gerontology programs at both UNC campuses have been involved with TimeSlips for several years. Both campuses have trained and supported students and other professionals to do storytelling in area care facilities. Both campuses will join the existing Regional Bases in Wisconsin, New York, New Jersey, and Texas. They will offer ½ Day Intensive training workshops, 10-week On-Site trainings, and educational presentations on the storytelling method.

The UNCG Gerontology Program, through the TimeSlips Central North Carolina Network will offer training and support to certified facilitators in central and western North Carolina. The UNCW Gerontology Program will offer TimeSlips facilitators through its service-learning program and training in Eastern North Carolina and in South Carolina. The UNCG Gerontology Program and the TimeSlips Central North Carolina Network can be reached at 119 McIver Street, Greensboro, NC 27402 or 336.256.1020 or jiwassel@uncg.edu. The UNCW Gerontology Program can be reached at 601 S. College Road, Wilmington, NC 28403-5625, or 910-962-3435 or covane@uncw.edu.

The creation of a national training program for TimeSlips is supported by the Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation that supports independent research on health and social issues and makes grants to improve health care practice and policy. For more information on TimeSlips, see www.timeslips.org.