Memories…every day we are forming new ones, but there’s something really heartwarming about revisiting those from some time ago. And for seniors with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, with a diminishing capability to retain short-term memories, those from years past are all the more precious.
In fact, reminiscence therapy for older adults is becoming increasingly popular as an approach to dementia care. The rewards are fantastic, including an enhanced connection and feeling of value and self-worth, and an improvement in confidence and joy. It is also a great way to tackle stress along with the challenges inherent with day-to-day life with dementia.
Bear in mind that reminiscing and remembering have distinct differences. While asking an individual if he or she recalls a specific place, person, or event can result in negative thoughts and feelings in the event that person can’t recall the memory, reminiscing shifts the main focus to the older adult with dementia, allowing him or her to steer the conversation.
For example, sit with the older adult and begin browsing through an old photo album, and see which pictures strike recognition and ignite a spontaneous conversation. And, understand that some memories can be painful, in which case you might choose to provide kind, supportive listening, or to gently redirect the senior to a more pleasant memory.
The following are three additional reminiscing activities; experiment to determine which are best received by your loved one:
Morning Glory Home Care’s top-rated home health care in O’Fallon, IL and the surrounding communities has been trusted by families since 1998. Our trained dementia care experts are highly skilled in meeting older adults with Alzheimer’s where they are, and helping ensure they reach their fullest possible potential, independence, and enjoyment in life each and every day. Call us at 618-667-8400 for a complimentary in-home assessment, during which we learn more about your loved one along with the challenges being faced, and also to let you know exactly how we can help.
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