How Old Photographs Can Rekindle Lost Memories – Historic Inspiration & Reminiscence Therapy

Our identities are shaped by our experiences—the challenges and triumphs that have made us who we are. But for someone with dementia, these vital memories can easily become lost or clouded, resulting in confusion, disorientation, and depression.

One form of treatment called “reminiscence therapy” allows caregivers to help patients retain many of these dear and vital memories. Using photographs, scrapbooks, and personal items from a patient’s past, caregivers are finding success in preserving those integral memories.

The Importance of Visual Cues

Photographs can provide vital contextual information for patients with dementia. Even patients with advanced Alzheimer’s disease have shown measurable positive responses to photos of themselves, loved ones, and important places or events from their lives. Image association not only helps those with dementia to recapture memories—it provides an essential context to help them engage more actively in day-to-day life as well.

Personalize a Photo Collection

A personalized photo album can help someone with dementia reconnect with the touchstones of their lives.  Here are a few techniques to get started…

• Name the collection for your loved one—such as “Anne’s Journey,” or “Jim’s Life Adventure.”
• Feature a picture of your loved one on the album’s cover.
• Select photos from happy or important times in the person’s life (you may categorize images by childhood, military service, marriage, work, vacation, children, grandkids).
• Create a timeline of your loved one’s life—including the present.

Having such an album can help dementia sufferers to reinforce vital memories, re-experience joys, reduce isolation, and improve mood.

Mark Images Clearly

Many dementia sufferers also have visual difficulties. By clearly identifying the location, people, and date of each photo, you can help your loved one anchor themselves in their experiences. They can also return to the album as a memory-jogger or emotional recharge.

Combine Photos with Journals or Letters

 If your loved one was a scrapbook enthusiast, you may want to combine photos with other media (such as personal letters, postcards, ticket stubs, or birth announcements) to help create a more complete picture of your loved one’s life. If you journal, you may want to help your loved one to create an ongoing written narrative of their past and current experiences. Combining photos with other personal memorabilia into a personalized scrapbook can be a great way to rekindle and preserve precious memories.

Use a Digital Photo-Sharing Platform

Today’s digital technology has given us a wealth of convenient ways to scan, store, and share images with family and friends. Creating a digital album or digital scrapbook for your loved one can be a convenient way to conduct reminiscence therapy. For example, create a Flickr or Instagram album for your loved one and let them scroll through the images on your tablet or phone. Take the opportunity to engage with your loved one over the images—they may recall details that will surprise you.

At 5 Star Home Care, we are experienced in supporting the physical, mental, and emotional health of our clients. Our trained in-home care workers understand the challenges faced by today’s independent seniors and work with each client to provide the intellectual stimulation needed to live a fulfilling life. If you or someone you know could benefit from in-home care, contact us today! We’re waiting to hear from you.

5 Star Home Care serves the Philadelphia metro area, including Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery Counties. Contact us today, and discover what peace of mind feels like.