Reminiscing about the past can be a powerful way to connect, offering comfort and joy for both persons with dementia and caregivers. Reminiscing is less about facts, names and dates than it is about re-experiencing feelings of happiness, comfort, and love. Here are some tips on how to reminisce effectively and sensitively.
Choose the Right Time: Pick a moment when your loved one seems most alert and open. Mornings are often a good time, but every individual is different.
Use Props to Spark Memories: Photos, music, familiar objects, or scents can act as powerful triggers for recalling memories. They can serve as a gentle prompt that encourages your loved one to share their stories. The aroma of baking cookies or cake can bring on pleasant memories, so don’t miss a chance to appreciate that moment together.
Be Patient and Receptive: Show genuine interest in their stories, even if they repeat themselves. Don’t insist they recall a name or date. Your attentiveness, patience and affection are much more important.
Follow Their Lead: Let them guide the conversation. If they steer towards a particular topic or era, follow their lead.
Avoid Correcting Errors: The goal is to enjoy the moment together, not to challenge inaccuracies. Remember, the emotional pleasure you both experience is more important than factual details.
Encourage Sensory Memories: Sometimes, talking about how things tasted, smelled, sounded, or felt can be easier than recalling specific events.
Use Open-Ended Questions: Phrases like “Tell me about…” or “What was it like when…” can encourage more detailed responses than yes/no questions.
Remember the goal of your time together is to create emotions of warmth, kindness and comfort. You may hear statements that are incorrect – one moment she has a daughter, the next she never had a daughter – but there is no need to correct the statement. Nobody likes to be corrected and you may inadvertently cause feelings of shame. Keep your goal in mind.
For more information on reminiscence benefits, click
This article submitted by Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, a program of Whitewater Seniors in the Park to help inform the community about dementia and to support patients and caregivers. New members are always welcome! Contact jfrench@whitewater-wi.gov or call Jennifer at 262 473 0535. More resources for caregivers:
https://www.co.walworth.wi.us/376/Aging-Disability-Resource-Center
