Dementia Patients Find Comfort in Telling their Stories and More
I was heartened to read the article in a recent New York Times blog regarding the comfort and joy that can be experienced by persons with dementia. I know I have witnessed music, movement, reading and oral history recording as activities that can be developed for the improvement of mood for many people dealing with dementia.
Over the last 25 years, my work in adult day has proven to me, my staff and the clients that when properly prepared, staff can elicit powerful video or oral recordings of our clients’ histories, even those with dementia. The client with help from their families provide the names, places and other trigger words that can be helpful when eliciting stories.The preparation for this project is intense, but similarly is the joy experienced by the older adult both during the recording and after viewing the tape.
Studying the client’s social history, knowing their life story well enough to be able to trigger memories is core to the success of an oral history project with persons with dementia. We know that word-find ability is limited, so the oral history is created through the use of words that elicit colorful memories.
Born in Tennessee? Lived with parents on a small farm in Kansas? Milked cows by hand? Rode trains with uncle who was a porter on the Pacific train line?
Each of these are examples of trigger words or phrases that the interviewer knows will elicit a story or reminiscence. In adult day centers, an approach referred to as ‘person-centered care’ obligates the staff to know the stories and details of each client’s life so that our interactions with persons who have more difficulty managing the details of the present can be engaged. We help them reengage with their life stories. Recording oral histories is another way to bring joy to the person with dementia. It is also a powerful gift for families to cherish long after their loved one is no longer able to share their memories.
For more information, please contact me at 314-477-3144.
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