For individuals living with a form of dementia like Alzheimer’s disease, it can seem like the person they used to be slips away as their memory fades. However, even if the person can’t remember what happened five minutes ago, they may be able to remember cherished memories from years past.

“Reminiscence therapy, which is used to help encourage past memories, is a wonderful form of connection for those with dementia and their loved ones,” says Erica Labb, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford. “Favorite songs, photographs and meaningful objects can help unlock feelings, emotions and memories and are strong bonds to the individual’s personal history.”

Erica says that there’s an important difference between “remembering” and “reminiscing.” “This form of therapy isn’t about asking those with dementia to remember something from the past,” she says. “Instead, it’s providing an atmosphere that can allow memories to float up organically. When we participate in this type of therapy at Bridges by EPOCH at Westford, this gives staff members an opportunity to connect by sharing their own memories, encouraging discussion and providing emotional bonds with our residents.”

The Benefits of Reminiscence Therapy

• Improved self-worth. Giving seniors with dementia the opportunity and means to remember their past and recall happy times helps them feel peaceful, contented and valued. It also helps seniors feel successful and more confident.
• Reduced unwanted behaviors. The positive boost that seniors receive from reminiscence therapy help reduce stress, improve mood and reduce unwanted behaviors like wandering, anxiety, agitation and more.
• Encourages participation. Reminiscence therapy provides opportunities for seniors to talk and share meaningful things, instead of simply listening to others talk.
• Creates joy. Talking about happy memories from the past provides a sense of joy, which can help cope with stress, reduce boredom and depression and make life seem a little sunnier.
• Provides opportunities to connect. Both individuals with dementia and family members can benefit from reminiscence therapy. Family stories can be preserved for later generations, and family members may learn something new about their loved ones.

Tips for a Successful Session

Encourage conversation through reminiscing of your own. Asking a loved one what they remember about a certain object can make them feel anxious, angry or embarrassed. Instead, talk about memories that you associate with various items or thoughts that pop up during your session. For example, if you’re looking at old photographs of holidays past, share a funny story that you remember or talk about your favorite holiday foods.

Understand that not all memories will be happy. Although reminiscence therapy is designed to help encourage happy memories, it is possible that an unhappy or painful memory will surface. You never know which memories will come up when reminiscing about the past. Sometimes a painful or unhappy memory will surface, and that’s okay. It’s important to respond with understanding and kindness. You can offer support or gently steer them toward a different, happier memory.

Choose a good time of day. When planning a session, choose the time of day that’s best for your loved one. This is usually earlier in the day for most adults, but it could be in the afternoon. Picking a time when your senior is interested in activities will make the process much more enjoyable. You’ll also want to hold the session in a quiet location where you can hear and see each other well. Make sure there’s plenty of light and few distractions.

Don’t worry about the outcome. It’s possible that the therapy session may not unlock any memories for your loved one. That’s perfectly normal. Remember that it’s the activity itself, not the outcome, that provides the greatest benefit for your loved one. Simply being with them and participating in something together provides happiness and joy.

Different Activities to Include

It’s important to use objects and try activities that stimulate different senses. Memories are associated in different parts of the brain, and stimulating different senses can spark different types of memories. Here are a few suggestions for a well-rounded approach to reminiscent therapy:

Play a favorite album. The part of the brain that is associated with music is one of the very last parts of the brain that’s affected by dementia. We’ve seen amazing results when favorite music is played for residents – individuals who are even in the late stages of the disease may suddenly be able to remember, respond or even sing along. Music is a wonderful way to relate to past experiences and emotions. You can play favorite songs, sing together or play music with simple instruments.

Look through old photos. Photos and keepsakes are wonderful ways to reminisce. Gather some old scrapbooks (or you can even put together photo books specifically for your loved one) and go through them with your senior with dementia. You can include just about anything in these photo books: pictures of family members and friends, old vacation photos, highlights from important events … anything you can think of. Be sure to have a pen and paper handy while you’re looking through them – if memories are sparked, you may wish to write them down and add the notes into the scrapbook for future reference.

Enjoy favorite foods. Smell and taste carry many memories, and can evoke everything from favorite holiday celebrations to childhood activities. If your loved one is able to help you in the kitchen, you may wish to create it together. Or, you can recreate a childhood snack and share it with your loved one. Scent jars are another way to stimulate the senses.

Use tactile objects. Familiar activities like knitting, sewing, drawing, painting and other crafts are great at sparking old memories. Even if your loved one can’t participate in their favorite hobbies anymore, simply touching a tool from the past – like a paintbrush, measuring spoons or certain fabrics – can evoke strong memories. You can also bring favorite pieces of jewelry or other accessories that can conjure memories of past events.

Comprehensive Memory Care

Bridges® by EPOCH at Westford delivers highly specialized memory care assisted living for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Our resident-centered approach focuses on providing dignity, purpose and moments of joy in daily life for those in all stages of the disease. We offer a wellness-focused lifestyle that centers around a resident’s current skills and abilities, not those that have been lost to dementia.

Life-Enriching Programs

Our team members take an active role in getting to know each resident on a personal level to deliver programming that is meaningful to them. We account for the preferences, interests, needs and abilities of our residents to connect with them and encourage their involvement in daily life and boost self-esteem.

Warm, Residential Atmosphere

Featuring a stunning residential design, every inch of our community has been designed to benefit those with memory loss. Attributes such as soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel comfortable, safe and at home.

 Contact us today to learn more.