About
We Train, Support, and Inspire Caregivers to Unlock Imagination, Connection, and Meaning in Every Interaction.
The Leader in Creative Care for Elders
TimeSlips shifts from the expectation of memory, to the exploration of imagination. Our evidence-based and award-winning approach brings joy to elders and their care partners by infusing creativity and meaning-making into care relationships and systems.
We began with one volunteer in 1998. We became an independent non-profit in 2013, and we now train and certify facilitators across the world.
Our bold vision is that creative expression, growth, and meaning should be available to us at every stage of life – no matter where we live or what our abilities may be.
We aim to change the way people understand and experience aging by bringing young people into positive relationships with elders; enabling family members to have meaningful emotional connections despite cognitive changes; and infusing creativity into our care systems by inspiring staff to feed their own creativity while inviting elders to imagine and express themselves.
Visionary Leadership
TimeSlips was founded by Anne Basting — writer, artist, and internationally recognized leader in creative engagement and aging. As Emerita Professor of English at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, her work has reshaped how organizations approach dementia care, aging, and communication by demonstrating that creativity is a powerful pathway to dignity, connection, and participation.
Through her research, writing, and public initiatives, Anne helped spark a global movement integrating creative expression into care and community settings. Her books — including Creative Care, The Penelope Project, and Forget Memory — have influenced practitioners, educators, and policymakers across sectors. A recipient of the MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship and other national honors, her vision continues through TimeSlips training and programs that equip organizations with evidence-based tools for meaningful engagement.
Proven Impact
Through her research, writing, and public initiatives, Anne helped spark a global movement integrating creative expression into care and community settings. Her books — including Creative Care, The Penelope Project, and Forget Memory — have influenced practitioners, educators, and policymakers across sectors. A recipient of the MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship and other national honors, her vision continues through TimeSlips training and programs that equip organizations with evidence-based tools for meaningful engagement.
More Joy & Positive Emotion
Studies observed higher pleasure levels, increased positive emotional expression, and reduced depression scores.
Improved Well-Being & Quality of Life
Participants showed improved quality-of-life scores and reduced behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.
Stronger Communication & Participation
Research found increased communication skills and more spontaneous participation during sessions.
Deeper Engagement
Participants demonstrated greater alertness, engagement, and positive interactions with staff.
Seeing is Believing
TimeSlips is best understood when experienced. Explore videos and coverage featuring our work in practice — showcasing moments of creativity, connection, and joy that define the approach.
TEDMED
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MacArthur PROFILE
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AARP VIDEO
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NEW YORK TIMES
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TEDx SAM
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Interested in doing a story or interview with TimeSlips? Check out our Media Fact Sheet and contact us for more info.
Supporters
OUR NEW, 10 MILLION MOMENTS OF JOY AND CONNECTION CAMPAIGN
This bold, 3-year campaign aims to raise $1,000,000 to train 1,000 Trainers and 25,000 Caregivers. Help make joy and meaning possible, all the way to the end of life – for both Caregivers and older adults. We estimate that each Caregiver/Facilitator we train can create 500 Moments of Joy & Connection in 1 year (and that is a conservative estimate!).
Donating $250 trains 1 Caregiver and creates 500 Moments of Joy & Connection!
Donating $125 creates 250 Moments of Joy & Connection!
JOY LEADERS $100,000+
- Near Walden Foundation
MEANING MAKERS – $50,000+
- Eisai USA Foundation
PURPOSE MAKERS – $20,000+
- Mark and Brenda Lichtenstein Family Foundation
- Molly Blank Fund of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation
- William and Emily Reedy Family Foundation
CAREGIVERS $1,000 – $5,000
- Ellen Arnovitz Family Foundation
- Bruce and Susanne Landau
- Thomas Basting Sr.
- Michele Warman
JOYMAKERS $100 – $999
- Nancy Mayne
- William and Emily Reedy Family Foundation
IN MEMORY OF DAN KUHN
- Mary Peranteau
- Michaela Kramper
- Steven Greenwald
- Kevin and Sandy Callinan
- Mary Quinn
- Staci Walters-Rossi
- Charles Gardner
- Jo Hammerman
- Phyllis Mitzen
- Danielle Dodson
- Jackie and Jason Sikich
- Laura Rodriguez
- Ray Wojkovich
- Paul Corso
- Eileen and Steve Dalebroux
- George Demertsidis
- Eder Van Swol
- Cori Sloan
- Carla and Don Sunby
- Tim & Jamie, Joe & Katie Dolan-Drenning
- Margaret & Bruce Dolan-Drenning
- Daryl Isenberg
- Delia Medina
- Francisco Zepeda
- Dominic and Stacy Rossi
- Kristi Peacock
- Charles Barriball
- Bulley & Andrews
- Allison Hoffman
- Lauren and Mike Kofod-La Mare
- Susan McFadden
- Liz and Terry Murray
- Peter and MJ Serene
- Molly and Curt Witzenburg
- William Kroeger
- Dan and Rita Dolan
- Carolyn Fischer
- Nicole Dolan
- Christy Levitan
Thank you to all our supporters. Despite our best efforts to avoid errors and omissions, these can occur. If you contributed and your name was inadvertently omitted or incorrectly listed, please accept our sincere apologies and Contact Us.
Become a Joy-Maker! Support our campaign to Create 10 Million Moments of Joy & Connection by making a tax deductible donation today!