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Linking the Past to the Present.../
Other ArticlesBy
Kristine Dwyer, Staff Writer
“Sharing memories with my wife (who has
dementia) has been the first time we have talked
on the same level for many years.” “I never knew
how my mother lived, until now, through her
shared stories.” “I have finally found a new way
to communicate with my husband through
reminiscing. ”Thoughts from caregivers in
England.
When health changes affect the care receiver and
limit or prevent verbal communication from
occurring, there is an alternative way to connect,
as in this poignant recollection:
“My mother had a stroke, was bedridden and could
no longer speak. I mourned the relationship with
her. Then one day I got in bed with her, held her
and told her stories and meaningful memories of our
life together. Mother cried, smiled, caressed my
hand and responded positively to me without a single
word. A powerful connection was made between us and
I will treasure that day forever.”Shirley, a
caregiver from Chicago
Reminiscence and Dementia:
There is a tendency to think of dementia as a
“disaster,” a hopeless decline in a person’s memory
and a loss of functioning about which nothing can be
done. Yet, people with dementia often have a keen
ability to recall long-term, personal memories when
the details of the present may escape them. Imagine
the storehouse of one’s memories as a locked box;
its contents accessible only with a key, and that
key is hidden in the entanglement of dementia.
Perhaps through asking questions, one can make a
duplicate key that allows the flow of silent
experiences to come forward once again. Reminiscence
increases confidence and builds on people’s
remaining skills. It concentrates on early memories
that remain vivid when recent events fade. It also
allows a person to return to a time in their life
when they were active, healthy and productive. As a
result, the listener can learn more about the life
of the person with dementia, which can aid in
understanding current behaviors and enhance
supportive feelings.
“Reminiscence encourages family interaction which
is closer to ‘normal.’ The simple pleasure of
recognizing a familiar object or recalling a
forgotten melody are rays of sunshine in the fog of
forgetfulness.”Reminiscence Group Leader, Finland
While living with dementia can be very isolating
and lead to withdrawal, especially from social
settings, becoming part of a reminiscence group can
be one solution. These groups may be offered by
senior centers, adult day programs, assisted living
facilities and nursing homes. Caregivers, along with
the care receiver, can attend the group together and
both engage in sharing stories of the past. By
revisiting their joint past, caregivers have the
opportunity to re-bond with the person they care
for, as well as contribute their knowledge of the
person’s life history, interests and
accomplishments. This is also a wonderful way for a
person with dementia to make new friendly contacts,
re-engage in social activities, and find acceptance,
respect and understanding.
“Two male group participants had very little
language left, but their body language expressed
satisfaction and pleasure during the group
reminiscence session. Very often they could be seen
smiling and humming. Their wives shared that when
coming to the group, they were both eager to get
into the room and greet everyone.” Oslo Reminiscence
Project.
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