Reminiscing and dementia:The importance of objects

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Benevolant Society

Reminiscing Kits

Reminiscing kits are a great resource. When creating kits keep the following in

mind:

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Older people should be familiar with most or all of the items in the kits.

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The objects need to be carefully selected so that they relate to specific The objects need to be age and experience appropriate and safe for older Don’t forget about kit maintenance by replacing all objects in the kits after Reminiscing Manual version 1,

Creating a Kit

Follow these tips for creating a reminiscing kit:

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Ask the experts: talk with the older people about what is important to them Start with a theme: center your kit around a similar experience or activity

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Select an era: what year or vintage is appropriate for the older person

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Remember the senses

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Other types of activities/ reminiscing materials

Where to get resources: many items can be donate or found in second Make the container part of the theme and think about how it will be used. Write a help sheet for the kit: leave some prompts for conversation or

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Sensory rooms.

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Sensory stimulation, multi sensory environments.

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Soft toys, life-like dolls and toys.

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Sensory boxes.

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Cooking/ Art.

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Other opportunities to reminisce

Tactile boards / mats/ wall sculptures.

There are many ways to reminisce. Using objects is a powerful way of

touching the senses and stimulating memories however using themes in

conversation during everyday activities can also provide positive engagement

with an older person.

One researcher notes it is about engaging older people throughout the day

with positive interaction during routine care (Spencer and Joyce, 2000, p 20).

Every day activities to use reminiscence

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Meal times.

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Bed times.

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Bath/shower times.

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Morning/ afternoon tea and supper time.

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When assisting someone to walk to another area.

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When giving medication.

Themes

Reminiscing Manual version 1,

Below are a number of themes you could use in conversation during daily

tasks. These types of questions can be useful to build up a personal history

‘life history’ of the older person or as a way of allowing the person to express

themselves.

I was born

My mother

My father

My brothers and sisters

Other relatives

First memories

My childhood home

Favourite rooms, things

In the backyard

Our neighbours

Our childhood games

Childhood pets

Our town

Childhood disasters

Childhood illness

Childhood fears

Childhood songs, street games

Family life

Sundays

Toys and treats

Christmas day

Favourite food

Heroes

Radio, music

Turning 21

Cars

The great depression

During the war

Child, other commitments

Love, marriage

Work

Special friends

Hurdles, heartbreaks

Regrets

Providing a focus for reminiscing can be best achieved through objects. The

objects are usually collected within a theme and can be used as a structured

activity to support reminiscing. Objects can also be left with an older person

for them to sort through and engage with.

One researcher notes multi sensory triggers help compensate for different

cognitive impairments and objects which can be touched, handled and passed

around seem to be particularly important (Coaten, 2001, p20).

Reminiscing with a group of persons with dementia

Activities directors and other healthcare professionals here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals.
Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Here is a way for nurses administrators, social workers and other health care  professionals to get an easyceu or two

Benevolant Society

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Group numbers should be small. Let the following be a guide:

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have dementia.

No more than 8 or 10 when working with older people who do not

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moderate stages of dementia.

No more than 6 when involving older people who have early to

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advanced dementia.

No more than 3 when working with older people who have

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reminisce and communicate well.

An appropriate group size allows objects to be circulated rapidly to Session times may vary depending on the group. Let the following be a Up to 45 mins when working with a group of people who can

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dementia.

20 to 30 mins with a group who may be in moderate stage of

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Small pockets of time for people with advanced dementia.

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make people feel at ease.

Quiet, intimate and comfortable surroundings are important in order to

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Placing seats close together helps promote an intimate atmosphere.

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• It is important not to use too many objects per session, as this can Select up to 6 objects that you feel are most appropriate for the group.

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As facilitator it is important to do as much listening and as little talking as

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The Benevolent Society, 2005,

ABN 95 084 045

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It is important to ask open ended questions that require more than yes or Its is important to keep track of who has not spoken in the session. As a Don’t be concerned if the discussion leads to subjects beyond the theme Reminiscing Manual version 1,

Suggestions for group work

Some extra tips for group reminiscing are:

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Use a room where the participants will feel comfortable and able to talk.

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participants to hear others.

Seating in semi circle allows for easy passing of objects and for

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considered as women’s work.

Men can be encouraged to discuss topics which have traditionally been

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people but be careful not to offend or disregard anyone’s personal

experience.

Use the opportunity to hear different versions of an event form different

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insights into each object or experience.

Use the differences within the group, such as age, to obtain greater

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Introduce the topic and then gradually pass the items around.

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remember while others will speak up quickly and often.

Allow plenty of time for discussion. Some people may need time to

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accommodate spontaneity.The groups need some structure however allow sufficient flexibility to

Reminiscing with Groups

When holding a group reminiscence keep the following in mind: