Group Memory Book Projects for Alzheimer’s Patients
September 6, 2008 by Mary Emma Allen
Filed under Diseases & Conditions
I discussed individual memory books for Alzheimer’s patients in my previous post. There also are group memory projects for nursing home groups.
I conducted one of these activities at the nursing home where Mother lived and found it a pleasure for me as well as the patients. It started out as a scrapbooking project, but I soon realized the residents (most of whom were in the mid stages of Alzheimer’s), enjoyed reminiscing about the photos and sharing with one another.
Sometimes this sharing was a monologue that might jog the memory of the person sitting next to them, too. But the chatting and laughing that went on during these sessions was a joy for me…and it seemed to be for them as well.
A staff member and I used photos taken at the nursing home of the residents involved in various activities. Most recognized themselves. We would ask them questions about themself and jot down memories on a page with their photo. Sometimes the scrapbook page only consisted of photos; other residents contributed memories we could write down.
This project can take various directions but can be something you do at home as well. It’s something you can be involved in as a family.
Do you engage in memory projects with your Alzheimer’s patient? Share with us.
(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen
