You can take this one step farther by playing the songs on simple instruments that get the senior involved. Things like shakers, tambourines, or even a toy guitar can be helpful and fun when working on reminiscence therapy.
Going through a treasure chest or old photo albums can be a wonderful way to stimulate good memories. They might not remember clearly, but seeing pictures may help jar their memory so they can tell stories to you as you reminisce. Smells are heavily associated with memories, so try cooking a favorite meal that reminds them of the things mom or grandma used to make.
Perhaps they have fond memories of being by the beach during holidays—you could use air fresheners that smell like the ocean. This goes back to cooking but tastes can be very stimulating to memories. If your senior loved certain foods, then try making that food often. If they are able, they may even be able to tell you how to make the dish or which spices are used in it.
Studies show there is a strong emotional connection to music. It can start a conversation. Photos also can be very helpful in getting people to reminisce. Seeing faces of family members brings back stories and happy memories. This is a great way to communicate across the generations. Dosette boxes are pill holders with compartments for the day of the week and the time of the day. They help users take their medication on the right day and at the right time. Automatic pill dispensers alert users when they need to take their medication and release the medication from a locked compartment.
Pharmacists can help fill the dispenser to make sure the pills and dosages are correct. Reminder messages. These refer to digital software such as Book of You , a reminiscence programme created specifically to help those with memory problems communicate and interact with their carers. Digital software like this enables life stories to be built interactively, using words, pictures, music and film, and helps show who a person was and who they are now.
This software aims to improve the quality of life for people living with dementia by promoting conversation, recollecting the past, and very importantly, having fun. Some ATs aim to reduce the possibility of accidents in the home. For example, there are gas sensors that can automatically shut off the gas in case the person with dementia forgets to do so, and devices like Nova-Flo which automatically turn off a tap if it been left running for too long.
Health or social services may provide funding in some cases for purchasing equipment such as the assistive technology memory aids mentioned in this article. To find out more, contact your local community mental health team where a social worker, occupational therapist or dementia advisor can make an assessment of your eligibility and advise you on what is available.
Where funding is not available, memory aids may be purchased or hired privately from local shops, pharmacies, online services or superstores. Some tips when buying a memory aid:. Assistive technology memory aids complement good person-centred care; they do not replace it.
Other relevant articles on the Age Watch website:. Home Ageing Ageing Adult Education - is it good for our health? Eat less and Live Longer How can we stay healthy longer? How long can we expect to live in good health? Is Status a Life Sentence? Healthy Foods - Cruciferous Vegetables, Pulses A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body? How important is our body clock? How much sleep? Debbie Shaw Mental health liaison. Barbara Schofield Nurse Consultant. Reduced Length of Stay Helps mobilise the patient.
Improved Nutrition and Hydration The dementia software provides opportunities for social interaction and reducing the feeling of isolation. Free up Valuable Nursing Resource The dementia software frees up valuable nursing resource. Featured Case Studies. Imperial College Hospital — Albert Ward. Applications of digital reminiscence therapy — Charlton Lane Hospital. We are getting people back on their feet and out of hospital quicker.
They can often return to their own homes and not Nursing Care Homes.
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