Reminiscing is the act of reflecting on and sharing past experiences, often evoking emotions and memories that connect us to moments of joy, love, or personal growth. With the holidays approaching, we may hear stories from loved ones we do not recall, but when we hear them, it takes us back to how we felt in that moment. Reminiscing about things we’ve accomplished can promote communication and improve mood. This is the purpose of reminiscence therapy.
In the article “What is Reminiscence Therapy,” Barbara Fields explains “this kind of therapy improves self-esteem and comforts older patients. When older people are reminded of bygone days, they become eager to communicate with others. They gain a sense of fulfillment in sharing past episodes of their lives.” It can be done by anyone, caregiver or family member, and does not need to be initiated by professionals. All persons living with dementia can be reminded of the joys they’ve experiences throughout their lives, although the approach may vary based on their dementia progression.
Tips on how to engage conversationally
- Ask simple questions, such as those answered with a simple yes or no
- Allow your loved ones to express their emotions: let them know it is ok to express joy and sadness and provide them comfort
- Avoid “Do you remember?” Individuals with dementia may feel ashamed or become frustrated when they are unable to recall a certain event. Try starting with “I remember when”
Other forms of reminiscing
There are various reminiscence therapy methods beyond conversational approaches that can be uniquely tailored to an individual’s cognitive abilities. Below are some forms of reminiscence therapy that engage the five senses:
- Sight: Sharing photos of special events, items they may have collected or created
- Smell: Smelling fresh-baked cookies from a recipe that is their own, smelling familiar perfume/cologne
- Taste: Eating a traditional meal from their past or favorite childhood treat
- Touch: Feeling a knit blanket they made, holding a child’s hand, touching paintings they created
SOURCE
https://www.verywellmind.com/howreminiscence-therapy-works-5214451
