This article produced by the Social Care Institute for Excellence explains why, and how to achieve the highest benefits. The Institute identifies these key points to consider:
- Typically, a person with dementia is more able to recall things from many years ago than recent memories.
- Reminiscence can give people with dementia a sense of competence and confidence through using a skill they still have.
- ‘Do you remember when…?’ is the question many people might associate with reminiscing. However, it might not be the best starting point for a person with memory problems…
- A good starting point might be to share a memory yourself as a way of leading into asking a question more gently. This helps gives clues for the sorts of things you will talk about and may help the person to relax and recall their memories more easily, without fear of mixing things up or forgetting.
- It is important to tap into all the senses to trigger memories. A picture to look at, an object to touch, a song or a poem to listen to or something to smell or taste can all take someone back in time, often to a very specific memory.
- When a person with dementia is struggling to use words, they may find it is easier to use actions to share something from their past.
- Reminiscence is never something that is just done ‘to’ or ‘for’ older people only – it is something we can all enjoy!
The Kapshoo app. aims to be an all-inclusive technology that will enable people with dementia to record and share their treasured life stories with the help of family, friends and carers in one safe space.Â
