We know all about our loved ones
we care for, but how can we help their other caregivers know them in
a similar way? It can be done rather easily with a fun and
easy project—a scrapbook. What a wonderful way to help the
caregiver know the patient much more quickly.
This can be a fantastic project
for the entire family of home bound or nursing home residents.
You can create a simple or elaborate scrapbook that will tell all
about the person’s life prior to their failing health. An
individual can take on this project, or it can involve the honoree,
their spouse, their children, their grandchildren, and their
friends. What a fun family project!
Begin by deciding what you will
want in your scrapbook. You can dedicate a page each to many
topics. These will be great beginnings for lots of conversation with
the honoree. Here are just a few suggestions:
Secondly, make a list of
supplies you will need. If you have a scrapbooker in the
family, this project can take on a more creative and polished look.
Primarily, remember that the book needs to give lots of information.
The basic materials needed are:
-
3 ring notebook or photo
album
-
Plastic sheet protectors to
slide the sheets into if using a notebook
-
Black felt tip pen if
writing by hand
-
Photographs
-
Adhesives – glue stick, etc.
-
Paper
Optional Supplies:
Note: If you use a
computer, make sure the font is rather large and easy to read.
Keep the written text brief. Put together the book so that the
reader can scan it and get lots of information from it. Use
lots of pictures if possible. The basic set up of the book can vary,
but always have a front cover that will celebrate the honoree’s
life. The title page should include a picture of the honoree,
and the person’s name. Then write a note at the bottom
inviting caregivers and visitors to view the book. You can
even put a title on it—WHO AM I?, THIS IS MY LIFE, A BIOGRAPHY OF
______.
Now get out the supplies and let
the fun begin!!! I promise that all who help make this
wonderful informative book will have a great time creating a
biography of their loved one’s life. And the finished product
will guarantee many hours of enjoyment for all who read it.
Most of all, the honoree will love the attention it will focus on
him or her. In the future, it will become a treasured family
heirloom!
Lynn has been one of many
caregivers for her mother for the past 14 years. Lynn’s mother
is a survivor of several strokes and a head injury. Lynn has
learned a great deal about the needs of people with physical
limitations while her mother has been in rehabilitation centers and
nursing homes. She found the idea of a scrapbook to be an
invaluable tool when her mother went to a nursing home and wasn’t
able to speak.
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