Creative activities to encourage communication.

 A Life-story book (Reminiscence)

Honey if you love me (game)

Reminiscence activity

   

     One of my activities is the Reminiscence activity. Reminiscence sessions and related activities are an appropriate and effective way of bringing pleasure, stimulation, meaning and purpose into the lives of older people in care

    I have decided that If I were to carry out this activity then it would be best planned for the morning, as my client is more likely to have energy at that time so it would be easier to carry out the activity at that time of the day.

    Most people who reach the age of elderlery find that they have some kind of memory loss; this kind of illness is called Dementia. Communication with someone who has a fair to severe amount of dementia can be difficult. If I was carer and he or she knew that I was listening and I kept eye contact then, it would help concentration and the client will be more able to focus and respond..

    Communication is an important aspect of activities. Often a client who may not have spoken for a long time will suddenly remember a past event or person and talk energetically about the memory. This sudden return of a memory can be triggered by seeing a photograph or hearing a particular piece of music.

Why are activities so important for the elderlery?

    Elderlery participating in activities can help them to prevent frustration, boredom and challenging behaviours. Activities can:

· help the person maintain his or her independence in and around the home
· help maintain skills
· improve self esteem
· improve the quality of life for the person with dementia - and you will also benefit
· often compensate for lost abilities
· allow the person to express his or her feelings, through art, music, singing and dance
· bring pleasure to both of you as you share these moments together
· provide social contact through social activities and outings, keeping both of you in touch with family and friends.

                                 Life storybook activity

     I decided that for this activity I would get my clients to put together a life storybook. I decided that I could combine photos with notes about his or her:

· mother and father, sisters and brothers
· children
· work
· places he or she has visited or lived in
· favourite holidays
· friends
· hobbies
· favourite food, least favourite food
· colours
· favourite films, music
· likes and dislikes
· politics.

     I also decided that any Photos, post cards, scraps of material from old clothes or bedcovers and other memorabilia could be added to the storybook.        

    I thought that if I were to carry out this activity with the elderlery then it would be a very enjoyable activity for both of us. As an elderlery’s illness progresses it will become more important that the memories are all written down and recorded so that others can help the person recall those important times.

    If the elderlery does have to go into another care home then, this book can be taken and shown to the staff. It will provide them with a very valuable history and background of the person’s life, which will help them to get to know him or her.

Keep the person involved. Activities don’t only pass the time, but also help the person retain important skills and provide enjoyment and social contact. Involve other people as much as possible. This will also help you cope.

Don’t feel you have to fill every minute of the day! Quiet times are important too -including sleep.