How Reminiscence Therapy Can Help Seniors with Dementia
Those suffering from dementia typically lose their short-term memory, but often can still recall memories from longer ago. That’s why reminiscing, or sharing memories from the past, can be such an enjoyable way to connect with these seniors.
It helps them feel valued, content, and peaceful by recollecting happier times from bygone days. Because it’s something they can still do, it increases their confidence and lets them feel successful. It gives them a chance to talk for a change, rather than always having to listen to others, and gives them joy in a season of life when much of their days are spent trying to cope.
Additionally, these positive feelings can lead to beneficial physical results, such as decreasing stress, boosting mood, reducing agitation, and minimizing challenging behaviors such as anger or wandering.
There’s an art to stimulating memories and meaningful conversation. First, keep in mind that reminiscing is not the same as remembering. Asking a senior with dementia to remember something specific from the past, like a date or name, can be stressful for them because they might feel pressured or inadequate if they can’t recall it. On the other hand, if they feel free to share a pleasant memory as it surfaces, they’ll feel accomplished and in control. For example, if you show an old photo, they might spontaneously say, “There’s my old house! I remember baking cookies with my mom in that kitchen.”
Keep in mind that occasionally, reminiscing can bring up painful or unhappy memories from the past. Since you know your older adult best, you’ll be able to determine whether it’s better to simply listen and offer support, or if you should instead gently steer them toward a happier memory so they don’t end up stuck in a distressed state. Either way, it’s important to respond with kindness and understanding.
To make reminiscence therapy successful, set the stage appropriately. Remember that the goal is to enjoy some meaningful time with your senior by creating an opportunity for them to talk about memories that come to mind. For best results, choose a time of day when they’re typically most interested in activities. (This tends to be earlier in the day for many seniors.) Then choose a quiet, comfortable location where they’ll be able to see and hear you well. Keep expectations low and don’t pressure the older adult. If no memories come to mind during that particular session, that’s fine – maybe they will next time.
Interestingly, the best way to generate old memories is often by stimulating the senses. Since memories are associated with different parts of the brain, they might be easier to trigger and bring to the surface if you appeal to their hearing, sight, taste, touch, or smell:
1. Listen to their favorite music. Since music relates to emotions, it often brings up past experiences. In fact, it’s even been shown to reach seniors with advanced dementia. You can either play their favorite songs, have a sing-a-long session, or play simple instruments together such as bells or tambourines.
2. Look at photos, keepsakes, or magazines. Any visual item that brings back old memories can be an excellent way to reminisce. For example, photos of family, friends, or important life events can be great reminders. Additionally, showing pictures of favorite hobbies is a wonderful idea, such as looking through gardening, sports, craft, or cooking magazines together.
3. Smell familiar scents and taste favorite foods. Believe it or not, smell is a powerful way to access memories. Using spices or essential oils to remind them of favorite foods or places, such as freshly-baked cookies or a pine forest near their childhood home, can be a powerful tool. Taste can also bring back a flood of memories. Perhaps you could make them a special dish they always had for holiday celebrations, or recreate a favorite snack or treat they made for their own children years ago.
4. Enjoy tactile activities like painting, pottery, or other crafts. If your senior used to draw, knit, paint, sew, or do pottery or other crafts, reintroducing those activities could spark old memories. Even if they’re too weak to participate in those hobbies anymore, they can still evoke strong memories by doing things like swirling watercolors, playing with fabrics, or scribbling with chalk. You could also have them wear or handle favorite pieces of jewelry or accessories (such as a watch or necklace), or have them put on a significant dress or suit they used to wear to important events, and see if this sparks old memories.
These suggestions are just places to start. Use your imagination to try to think of additional ways of reminiscing that are specific to your older adult’s interests.