Lisa Joworski: Digital Storytelling in Elderly & Dementia Care
In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, particularly in elderly and dementia care, there’s a transformative tool gaining recognition: digital storytelling. Our latest podcast episode delves deep into this topic, guided by the insights and experiences of Lisa Joworski, a Common Language Digital Storytelling facilitator with a deep-rooted passion for the senior community.
Lisa’s journey is one of empathy, beginning as a perceptive teen in a long-term care facility and maturing into a role in outpatient services. Throughout her career, she has seen the potential for digital storytelling to bring to light the personal histories and voices often muted by the pressing demands of healthcare needs. Her commitment to this cause led to the creation of innovative activity kits, designed to foster intergenerational connections and celebrate the rich narratives that form the tapestry of our elders’ lives.
The podcast not only showcases Lisa’s path but also delves into the wider implications of storytelling in healthcare. A particularly moving segment recounts the story of Lisa’s mother who, following a life-changing diagnosis in her fifties, found her artistic voice. The episode further explores a resonant theme—women recognizing symptoms of ADHD later in life, illuminating the power of shared experiences and conversations in shedding light on underdiscussed health issues.
The emotional core of the episode is the ballet of storytelling—passion and pain interweaving with the art of self-expression. It highlights how storytelling can serve as a therapeutic outlet, enabling individuals to navigate through the complexities of emotions and experiences. The episode further underscores the role of self-reflection and creative exploration in finding solace and joy during life’s challenging phases, showcasing drama, music, and other creative pursuits as beacons of hope and restoration.
Beyond the personal stories, the episode is a testament to the collective realizations that bind us together. It emphasizes the shared human experiences that resonate across different lives and circumstances, proving that stories are not just personal but universally connective.
Our conversation with Lisa also touches on the logistical aspects of implementing digital storytelling in healthcare settings. The podcast includes discussions about how these narratives can reshape team meetings, shifting the focus from problem-solving to person-centered care. Lisa shares her experience of using digital stories to humanize healthcare and reframe conversations around patients’ lives, demonstrating the practical benefits of her approach.
The podcast episode, rich with stories of life, wisdom, and the indomitable human spirit, invites listeners to recognize the value of narrative in our lives. It encourages healthcare professionals, caregivers, and family members to engage with the stories of the elderly and those with dementia, not just as a means of understanding but as a step toward healing and honoring their legacies.
As digital storytelling continues to make strides in healthcare, it’s crucial to consider its implications for person-centered care. By listening to and sharing these narratives, we not only acknowledge the fullness of each individual’s life but also contribute to a more compassionate and holistic approach to healthcare—one story at a time.
About Our Guest
For the last two decades, Lisa Joworski has worked in therapeutic recreation with individuals living with various forms of dementia (such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Lewy Body Dementia and Frontotemporal Degeneration). She is also a certified Guided Autobiography (GAB) instructor and Common Language Digital Storytelling facilitator. Lisa’s goal is to give individuals a platform to share their personal stories, have their voices heard and capture the essence of who they are for when it truly matters.
About Co-Created
Co-Created is a podcast that takes you behind the scenes of digital storytelling. On each episode, host Kristy Wolfe dives into conversations with the storytellers and facilitators who bring digital stories to life.
If this particular conversation resonated with you, tell a friend or a colleague about Co-Created or share one of the digital stories we were talking about. You can find the stories here.
Co-Created is presented by Common Language DST, digital storytelling facilitation training for health and wellness changemakers and is supported by the team at Snack Labs.
