Issue link: https://www.newlifestylesdigital.com/i/1262708
Activities Using Photographs The photograph can be utilized in many different ways, from simply choosing one meaningful image such as a persons wedding day and asking gentle questions surrounding it to encourage conversation to incorporating images into activities. Below are just some excellent activities which are ideal for someone living with dementia, to aid in reminiscence, whilst utilizing photographs. Scrapbook A great activity utilising photographs is to create a scrapbook together. Why not photocopy the originals so you can do this activity time and again, whilst keeping the originals intact. The act of creating the scrapbook can be interspersed with questions about each photograph which can help encourage conversation. Creating a scrapbook is an excellent engaging and creative activity which is highly suited for someone with dementia. Memory Box Memory boxes can be brilliant for looking back on over time and aiding with sensory exploration. Choose some objects which can go alongside the photographs such as a loved ones perfume, an item of clothing or jewellery or anything else which may have significance for your loved one. The sensory aspects alongside the photographs can greatly help to improve memory recall, as often our memories can be linked to particular sounds, smells or tastes. Making a memory box can help to spark memories, inspire conversation and can involve both the person living with dementia and their carers and loved ones. Magazines Should your loved one not have any photographs, or perhaps you want to encourage conversations surrounding other images, why not use other resources such as magazines or postcards. Cutting out and showing the person living with dementia an image which may have meaning to them, such as someone doing a hobby they enjoyed, a particular place they visited on holiday or a sport can all help to spark memories, encourage conversations and boost mood. Timeline Another great activity involving photographs is to create a timeline together. Gather a series of images of your loved one or family members and put together a timeline of their life. The act of seeing photographs from different times can help to spark memories. There are many more activities which would be highly beneficial for someone living with dementia and can help to spark memories, conversation and improve mood. When considering which activity is most suited to your loved one, think about the things they enjoy doing and try to incorporate them. Remember when conducting a reminiscence activity not to pressure your loved one in to remembering a particular time or person, as this may cause agitation; keep questions and statements gentle and be patient, and the activity can prove highly rewarding for all. 45 from page 38