Living with dementia in an artful way

Dr. Charles Farrell, founder of the Farrell Foundation for Brain Health, and Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough cut the ribbon at the Foundation's new location.

View Image Gallery

The mission of the Carolyn L. Farrell Foundation for Brain Health at the Center for Artful Living is to enrich the lives of families touched by dementia through the arts and community outreach. Dr. Charles Farrell established the Foundation in 2011 to honor his wife, Carolyn, who died in 2015 after touched by dementia for 10 years. 

Earlier this year, the Foundation celebrated the grand opening of its new location with a ribbon cutting ceremony by Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough and Westlake officials.

Enrichment sessions offered include visual art, music, dance/movement, creative storytelling as well as other activities. Although not therapy, the activities try to engage the individuals by incorporating all five senses to strengthen communication and stimulate opportunities for engagement and socialization. These activities are provided free of charge to both the individual and caregiver.

Before purchasing the present Westlake location at 26633 Detroit Road in 2017, Dr. Farrell rented local space; he continues to offer outreach programs in the community. Some of his primary goals are to help raise awareness about brain health and end the stigma regarding dementia and other brain health issues. 

A variety of programs and seminars in a Dementia Friendly Community are offered at the Center for Artful Living. In order to maintain the enrichment activities at no cost, the Center is rented for corporate and celebratory events such as small business and family gatherings, cooking demonstrations, art exhibit receptions, birthday parties and showers. The meeting room, which has a full kitchen and furnished with tables and chairs, accommodates 20 people comfortably. Additional parking is available at nearby businesses on Detroit Road. Valet parking and/or Westlake Police for traffic control can be arranged for events, also.

For more information about the Carolyn L. Farrell Foundation for Brain Health and/or to rent space at the Center for Artful Living, please call 440-414-0434, email info@farrellfoundation.com or visit center4artfulliving.com/carolyn-l-farrell-foundation.