An exploration of the UK unpaid carer's world


The importance of reminiscence therapy                                                Home page  here

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1     Introduction

1.1  Commonsense  

The simple aim of reminiscence therapy is to build on what remains of long-term memory to aid the more dysfunctional short-term memory.


1.2   Dementia is a priority  

  1. Reminiscence therapy is a biographical technique that involves either group reminiscence work, where the past is discussed generally, or the use of stimuli such as music or pictures. 

  2. Although closely related to reminiscence therapy, life story work tends to focus on putting together a life story album for an individual. 

  3. Evidence suggests that reminiscence therapy can lead to overall improvements in depression and loneliness and promote psychological well-being. 

  4. Research also supports the view that reminiscence therapy, including life story work, can improve relationships between people with dementia and their carers and thereby 'benefits both'.

  5. Other reported benefits include enhancing the opportunity to provide personal and individualised care and assisting the individual move between different care environments such as home to care home, or between care homes 
          From - Supporting those with dementia: Reminiscence therapy and life story work here

1.3    More simply put
  1. While your loved one might not be able to remember what they had for lunch, they are very likely to remember their wedding day, the name of a favourite school teacher, or a childhood holiday. 

  2. Reminiscence therapy uses this ability to recall events that happened long ago, even when short term memory is failing. 

  3. It can also help to boost their mood and stimulate wider conversation. 

  4. Anecdotal evidence suggests that stimulating long-term memory can also improve short-term memory and increase the self-worth and engagement of someone with dementia.



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