There is no doubt that person-focussed and relationship-centred care is definitely where it's at.
Its benefits spread far and wide - to everyone in the home - both cared-for and carers and other staff alike. Reminiscence activities and conversation should sit at the very heart of this.
Many older care home residents may only be able to give their carers a small piece of themselves - all there is for them, at that moment. That fragment is for treasuring, because it may become a strand or thread that also becomes part of carers' lives as well. And like a tapestry, these threads may gradually be woven together to create something new and vibrant.
Reminiscence through conversation and reminiscence activities provides immense pleasure and interest for older people, and makes a valuable contribution to the knowledge of carers. By placing emphasis on a person's identity and unique experiences, the relationship between a carer and the cared-for person can be significantly improved by creating greater relevance and connectedness. Insight into a person's history and life stories makes caring for them more meaningful and satisfying.
Even when reminiscence activities and conversation take place in a group, the exchange between people and comparing of experiences enriches the lives of those who live together, but often oddly separate – and can encourage a greater sense of community among them.
Research into the value to families and friends of reminiscence activities and conversation also demonstrates the real value of connecting with people from differing generations not only in terms of learning about the past but also improving the relationships between the family and friends of the older person and their carers. To discover something of interest about a family member's past also brings benefits to the family themselves. And links between the person's past experience and present behaviour can be revealed in ways that helps to assure that their care is most appropriate.
For those who have grown up in another country or culture, whether old or young, carer or cared-for, reminiscence activities and conversation provide a passport to closer understanding by acknowledging and valuing people's differing experiences in a way that no other activities do.
As the Journal of Dementia Care reported as far back as 2001, "Reminiscing celebrates the richness of life experience, allowing in the process and the voice of the person to be communicated, however it is expressed".
The Many Happy Returns 1940 box of cards has been specially designed to tap into and stimulate the memories of people over 75 years old and so it's a perfect way to start reminiscing. More at www.manyhappyreturns.org
I think your website is beautiful. It is intelligent, interesting and exquisitely designed. In actual fact it inspired me to start my own! It is so refreshing to find a site that takes the mind deeper - thank you.
Persephone Arbour.
Posted by: Persephone Arbour | 23 November 2008 at 13:13