For individuals dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other forms of memory-related issues, personal identity can seem to slip away as their cognitive abilities begin to decline. As they may begin to lose touch with their sense of self, reminiscence therapy can be significantly helpful in helping them hold onto their cherished memories.
How Dementia Affects One’s Memory
Just like other symptoms of dementia, memory loss can affect sufferers differently. An individual may start to forget their daily routine or plans they’ve made, but another person may struggle to pinpoint the right words they want to use in conversation. Here are some of the most common experiences of people who suffer from dementia:
- Inability to follow conversations or television programs
- Difficulty in recognizing the faces of their loved ones
- Struggling to complete basic daily tasks like brushing one’s teeth or getting dressed
- Forgetting the names of household objects
- Feeling disoriented at home or in public
What is Reminiscence Therapy?
Reminiscence therapy is a treatment that makes use of all five senses – sound, sight, smell, taste, and touch to remember events. The goal of reminiscence therapy is to help sufferers of dementia feel contented, valued, and at peace with themselves by recalling joyful memories from their past. Objects can also be used as part of therapy to help with the recall of memories, but its main components include activities like conversation and more advanced clinical therapy. These positive emotions gained from talking about joyful past experiences can do a lot for one’s quality of life. Individuals can expect a boost in mood, decreased stress levels, reduced agitation, and minimized challenging behaviors like anger and wandering.
Benefits of Reminiscence Therapy
Reminiscing is not the same as asking someone to recall something from the past. Asking those with dementia questions about their past can be extremely stressful for them as they feel pressured and put on the spot to do something that would require more time than usual. In contrast, when a pleasant memory surfaces and the choice to share the joy with friends and family, it helps them to feel content and good about themselves. Using simple questions, songs, photos, or the beginning of a family story all with minimal prompting can help affected individuals feel more confident in their abilities to engage in conversation about their past, less isolated, and more connected to their sense of self which can all provide relief from boredom. This can also prevent feelings of depression and anxiety in social situations while also preserving family history and stories for generations to come.
Why Choose Seaton Chesterfield?
We offer a wide range of amenities and services for older adults who want to live in comfort and convenience. From helping those suffering from memory-related conditions to individuals who require little assistance to live to their fullest, you can rely on our professional experts to provide only the highest quality care to your loved ones.
To learn more about assisted living and memory care programs in Seaton Chesterfield, contact us today.