CNS Dementia, Shyna Kurian has developed a newsletter for patients with dementia and their families. It is hope to have the leaflet printed in the coming weeks. Below outlines some details.
What is Reminiscence Therapy?
Reminiscence therapy is one of the most effective and popular therapies for people with any type of dementia. It “creates theatre from memories" and is about sharing life experiences, memories, and stories from the past. Talking about the past can bring up happy memories and positive feelings for people with dementia, and this can be wonderful, particularly if the person with dementia is finding life difficult.
Positive outcomes in reminiscence therapy:
·increases self-esteem
·improves communication skills
·strengthens identity
·improves relationships
·boosts overall well-being
Ideas for reminiscence activities to do with your loved one:
·incorporate objects, music or images into everyday activities
·create memory boxes
·engage in activities that they are interested in
·go through old photographs
·discuss good days and achievements from their past
Advice for reminiscing with your loved one:
·Stories usually relate to a time when the person felt particularly happy or proud. Repeated stories often mean that the person is missing the sense of identity and purpose they once had. Listening to these stories with interest can boost your loves one’s mood.
·Reminiscence can sometimes provoke painful memories and you need to respond sensitively. If your loved one becomes emotional, lead the conversation elsewhere and try to provoke happier memories again.
·A picture to look at, an object to touch, a song or a poem to listen to, or something to smell or taste can also take someone back in time, often to a very specific memory.
·All of our lives are filled with items that hold special personal memories. A memory box contains memorable physical objects that may help your loved one to reflect on the past and recall certain people and events. It can be a shoe box, a basket, a drawer, or a plastic box. The possibilities for what can be included in a memory box are virtually endless.
Good catch Badge
Congratulations to Sinead Murrihy ADON Ennis who received a ‘Good Catch’ badge recently due to her management of a 6-month-old patient who presented out of hours to Ennis hospital front door.
The patient was managed in Ennis and transferred to UHL made a full recovery. Well done, Sinead
Pictured left to right, Patricia Buckley, Sinead Murrihy ADON( recipient), CDONM and Doris Liddy ADON.
