We all come from somewhere; our formative years and our heritage form the bare bones of the tapestry that eventually becomes our lives. However, these same memories can also be a powerful therapeutic tool to improve the lives of those living with dementia in their later years.
Reminiscence therapy (RT) is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help people suffering from dementia recall past events. Direct questions can be frustrating and overwhelming for someone struggling with dementia, so therapists use props and prompts like photographs, songs, or fragrances to stimulate the senses and illicit positive memories.
Reminiscence therapy can be guided by a qualified therapist in a formal setting, but it’s also something caregivers or loved ones can use to engage with family members suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia at home.
Reminiscence therapy can’t treat or cure dementia, but it can help family and friends feel more connected to their loved ones.
Reminiscence therapy shouldn’t be challenging. The idea is to elicit memories without asking direct questions by engaging the five senses. For example, instead of asking where the person grew up, give them a photo of their old house and see what memories surface, if any. If no memories come up, that’s fine too – use a different prompt next time. Here are some ideas for engaging the five senses:
Visual – Seeing old photo albums, letters, or souvenirs can conjure memories of childhood, first loves, or holidays with family and friends.
Aural – Music is incredibly powerful for accessing old memories. Listening to favourite tunes from younger years can bring about memories of a romantic first date in a smoky bar, exciting school dances, or celebrating a well-earned promotion.
Taste – Cooking or baking a loved one’s favourite meal or snack can take them back to a time they were baking with their children or enjoying a traditional meal to celebrate the holidays with their families.
Tactile – Touching something like a soft blanket or a fluffy teddy bear can bring back memories of a baby’s first day home or a favourite toy from childhood.
Olfactory – Our sense of smell is perhaps even more powerful for conjuring memories than music. The smell of perfume or aftershave, cigar smoke, flowers or spices will conjure vivid memories of specific people and places.
Once your loved one starts remembering good times, ask open-ended questions to help the memory flow. Memories will bring up emotions, so give the person time for silence and reflection. Be supportive, encouraging and patient.
Typically, people suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia struggle to retain short-term memories; however, their long-term memory is usually intact. Helping them to access and share good memories from their past has some surprising benefits:
Reminiscence therapy can help your loved one preserve their identity, but it doesn’t just benefit the storyteller; it also benefits those hearing the story, giving them a deeper level of understanding about their shared heritage and where they come from.
Want to learn more about how La Vie Care can support you and your loved one with memory care? Contact us today at https://laviecare.co.za/contact/ and let’s explore how reminiscence therapy can enrich their lives. or visit: https://www.dementiasa.org/ to learn more
