From Insight to Impact: Highlights from Early-Stage and Engagement Services at CaringKind
Olivia Cohen, MS, MT-BC, LCAT, CDP
Director of Early-Stage and Engagement Services, ocohen@cknyc.org
Receiving a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s, or dementia can feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to mark the end of connection, creativity, or purpose in one’s life. At CaringKind, we believe that with the right support, individuals can continue to live fully—with dignity, meaning, and joy.
That belief is the foundation of our Early- Stage and Engagement Services. Whether you’re seeking connection, meaning, or ways to stay active, our programs are designed to meet people where they are — supporting them through early diagnosis with compassion and community. We recognize that emotional well-being, mental stimulation, and social connection are essential to living well with dementia. With generous support from the Administration for Community Living’s Alzheimer’s Disease Program Initiative, CaringKind implemented several flagship initiatives, including Cognitive Stimulation Therapy, To Whom I May Concern®, and Dementia Act II.
More Than Memory: The Power of Cognitive Stimulation Therapy
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) is a structured, evidence-based small-group program supporting people with dementia in a warm, engaging environment. Developed by Dr. Amy Spector at University College London and now used in over 35 countries, CST focuses on celebrating abilities and fostering curiosity and connection—guided by 18 core principles across 14 themed topics. These include:
- Mental Stimulation: Promoting cognitive activity through conversation, games, music, and multi-sensory exploration
- Opinions Rather than Facts: Creating space for all voices by emphasizing sharing ideas and perspectives over “correct” answers
- New Ideas and Associations: Encouraging flexible thinking and thinking outside of the box
CaringKind offered CST virtually and in person in small groups of 5–8, meeting twice weekly for eight weeks. Across 38 groups (30 virtual, eight in-person), 227 participants achieved powerful outcomes.
- Stronger Engagement: 72% attended at least 12 of 16 sessions, demonstrating consistent participation and interest
- Improved Mood: Among 122 participants, symptoms of depression decreased
- significantly; 21% who began in the clinical depression range improved
- Emotional Resilience: 83% maintained or improved their highest level of well- being, with increased hope and positive psychology scores
Sharing Voices: To Whom I May Concern® & Dementia Act II
While CST strengthens minds and fosters connection through structured activities, our storytelling and performance programs amplify those same voices. People living with dementia are the true experts in their own lives. That’s why CaringKind offers To Whom I May Concern® (TWIMC) and Dementia Act II (DA2)—two unique programs that put their voices at the center.
Small-group storytelling programs produce a powerful, co-written script filled with honesty, humor, insight, and strength—performed live.
These small-group storytelling programs guide participants through a process of sharing their lived experiences. The final product? A powerful, co-written script filled with honesty, humor, insight, and strength—performed live.
- TWIMC performances are intended for the general public, helping raise awareness and challenge stigma
- DA2 performances are crafted specifically for professionals—such as healthcare providers and researchers— offering a rare opportunity to hear directly from those they serve
CaringKind hosted four TWIMC and five DA2 events. The outcomes were inspiring:
- Language Shifted: Audience members described dementia differently before and after the events. Terms like “sad” and “confused” were replaced with “brave,” “resilient,” “hope,” and “creative.”
- Care Transformed: Among professionals who attended DA2 events:
- 88% said they would now speak directly to the person with dementia (up from 70%)
- 88% said they would involve the individual in more meaningful activities (up from 47%)
- 87% said they would improve support for family caregivers (up from 55%)
Even in just one hour, these performances reshaped perceptions and inspired better care practices.
More Ways We Support You
Every person’s experience with memory loss is different. That’s why our programs are designed to meet a range of needs.
Alongside CST and TWIMC, we offer Journey Together, a ten-week support group for individuals navigating a diagnosis. Our Connect2 Engagement Programs open even more doors for connection— whether it’s sharing conversation in Connect2Cafe, swapping baseball memories in Connect2Sports: Baseball Reminiscence, making music together in Connect2Music, or exploring heritage and identity in Connect2Culture. Each program invites meaningful connection and expression.
Every person’s experience with memory loss is different. That’s why CaringKind’s programs are designed to meet a range of needs.
Moving Forward Together
This journey can feel uncertain, but you don’t have to face it alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Learn more about our Early-Stage programs
Discover our social engagement offering
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