Our Approach
I'm Still Here
I’m Still Here® is an expression of Hopeful Aging's founding belief that a person living with dementia is still there and can experience a high quality of life--regardless of the severity of their memory loss. The I’m Still Here® approach offers healthcare providers an effective way to develop and re-energize their memory care programs. Hopeful Aging's I’m Still Here® principles underlie all of our research and development activities. Applying the I’m Still Here® principles ensures that organizations offer people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias the opportunity to truly flourish.
Evidence-Based
The I'm Still Here® Approach is based on over 25 years of research and field study conducted by Dr. John Zeisel (President), Mr. Michael Skrajner (Director of Research), and Mr. Gregg Gorzelle (Associate Director of Research). Hopeful Aging is a world-wide pioneer in the field of non-pharmacological interventions and is a leading non-pharmacological research organization funded by the National Institute of Health.
Hopeful Aging Researchers have successfully executed publishable research related to:
- Techniques used to effectively communicate with persons living with dementia
- Behavioral changes observed in cognitively impaired adults who take part in I’m Still Here® programs
- Long-term outcomes of innovative I’m Still Here® interventions
Hopeful Aging research studies examine which activities and approaches are most beneficial to persons living with dementia. Standardized measures are used to determine the effects of different activities and interventions. Study results are published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences. Moreover, this research has been successfully translated into practice at communities across the United States.
Evolution of I'm Still Here® Methodology
