Dementia and reminiscence

Engaging with our residents with Dementia is key to providing person-centred care. Reminiscence is a powerful tool for bonding with those in our Homes – remembering things from the past can spark happy memories and provide a ‘way in’ to connect with them.

The Daily Sparkle

The Daily Sparkle is a reminiscence newspaper specially developed to provide stimulation and interest for older people and those living with Dementia. We have a subscription to The Daily Sparkle in all our Homes and copies are circulated for residents and Recreation and Well-Being Champions to share and enjoy together. The pages of interesting historical articles, quizzes and song lyrics are very popular and a fantastic tool for our team members to use to engage individuals one a one-to-one basis, particularly those who may prefer to spend time in their room or might not want to join in with group activities.

These reminiscence tools are invaluable to our Homes. They are not only a great source of interest and fun but are key in helping to build relationships and stimulate feelings of happiness and contentment amongst our residents. By encouraging individuals to reflect and reminisce, they also help our residents to raise their sense of ‘self’ and self-esteem, which in turn gives comfort and reassurance.

Dementia and reminiscence

Engaging with our residents with Dementia is key to providing person-centred care. Reminiscence is a powerful tool for bonding with those in our Homes – remembering things from the past can spark happy memories and provide a ‘way in’ to connect with them.

Reminiscence boxes

Our Recreation and Well-Being Champions use specially designed ‘Reminiscence boxes’ to share with their residents, often as a group or as part of a ‘Chit Chat’ club. These boxes, provided by local libraries, are individually-themed around a specific topic from the past which is designed to spark memories and discussion. Themes include wartime, clothing and accessories, transport through the ages, children’s toys from the past and memories of the seaside. A wealth of ‘touch and feel’ items such as clothing and postcards are included in the boxes to really bring the topic to life and encourage talking, bonding and a feeling of often associated with nostalgia.

The Daily Sparkle

The Daily Sparkle is a reminiscence newspaper specially developed to provide stimulation and interest for older people and those living with Dementia. We have a subscription to The Daily Sparkle in all our Homes and copies are circulated for residents and Recreation and Well-Being Champions to share and enjoy together. The pages of interesting historical articles, quizzes and song lyrics are very popular and a fantastic tool for our team members to use to engage individuals one a one-to-one basis, particularly those who may prefer to spend time in their room or might not want to join in with group activities.

These reminiscence tools are invaluable to our Homes. They are not only a great source of interest and fun but are key in helping to build relationships and stimulate feelings of happiness and contentment amongst our residents. By encouraging individuals to reflect and reminisce, they also help our residents to raise their sense of ‘self’ and self-esteem, which in turn gives comfort and reassurance.