Say YES to the Moment
(Simple) Improv Tools for Dementia Caregivers
Stop Correcting and Start Connecting
“They may not remember what happened,
but they will still have a feeling.
Why not make it joyful?”
Available as standalone workshops, ongoing programs, staff training, or speaking engagements.
Improv for Dementia Care?
YES!
Five years ago I moved back to the east coast to help care for my father through Alzheimer’s. You might know what that’s like, repeated questions, made-up stories, paranoia, arguments, moments of not being recognized.
I didn’t know how to behave, how to talk to him, how to connect.
I inadvertently started using my improv tools with him, and the results blew my mind. We wound up laughing! There was less stress, less arguments, more connection and fun. Actual fun! It felt like a miracle.
My dad didn’t need to be corrected, he needed to be heard.
I realized other care partners could benefit from these techniques, so I distilled what worked down to three basic tools. They fit into one word:
YES
The YES Framework
The Challenge
Dementia caregiving is profound, exhausting, and often isolating. Traditional communication strategies break down as the disease progresses, leaving care partners feeling helpless, frustrated, and disconnected from the person they love.
The Approach
Improv theater is built on a radical principle: accept what’s given, and build from there. These same skills: presence, listening, flexibility, playfulness are exactly what care partners need to meet their loved ones where they are. Plus it’s fun.
What People Are Saying
Robin has infectious, positive energy, the kind of person who can turn your day around and give hope.
– Senior Programs
Coordinator,
Town of Redding, CT
Attendees walked away feeling lighter, less isolated, and equipped with real strategies to use that very day.
– Margherita Pilato
Heritage Foundation
We needed the perfect blend in one speaker – inspirational, entertaining, humorous… Robin truly delighted our audience and I would hire her again in an instant.
– Laura S. Minor
Women & Girls Fund
Three Signature Programs
Pick One and Build from There.
The YES Framework
Three simple improv tools that transform how you connect with your loved one every day.
IMPROV for Caregivers
A class just for caregivers. Reduce stress, build resilience, and spark your sense of play in a supportive group.
Games for the MOMENT
Easy, fun activities to do together right now. No experience necessary. No memory required.
Why it Works
The use of Improv tools for people living with dementia and their caregivers have been shown to significantly improve interactions between caregivers and individuals with dementia. In March 2024, the Journal of applied Gerontology published an article called “Just Join Them”: Improv and Dementia Care, that focused on meaningful engagement among individuals living with dementia with an ongoing study that was able to “demonstrate the potential benefits of training care partners to use improv skills.” Other clinical studies have shown Improv to reduce stress and anxiety, foster trust, and encourage connection.
You can still create moments of joy and connection,
no memory necessary!
Who is this For?
- Family care partners
- Memory care facilities
- Caregiver support groups
- Hospice programs
- Hospital social work departments
- Conferences and professional events
Programs Offered
The YES Framework
Improv for Caregivers
Games for the Moment
Staff Training
Speaking Engagements
About Robin Reiser
Robin Reiser is a veteran improvisor, facilitator and educator with over 15 years of experience teaching improvisation, storytelling, communication, and acting. After caring for her father and grandmother, both of whom had lived with Alzheimer’s, she developed Say YES to the Moment to bring these tools to caregivers everywhere. She has worked in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and offers workshops, ongoing programs, and staff training for memory care facilities and caregiver organizations.
More info: RobinReiser.com