Capturing and preserving memories for a family member living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias can happen in a number of ways. It might entail turning on a favorite 1940s big band hit, spreading photos out on the coffee table, intentionally creating a list of questions to ask, and sitting down in the living room together to record the thoughts your loved one shares. Or, reminiscing might occur more spontaneously during a family gathering—make sure you have a notepad or video camera handy!
To accommodate your family member’s cognitive ability level and make sharing memories in any situation a positive, meaningful experience, keep the following considerations in mind:
Do involve other family members; Don’t put the person living with Alzheimer’s on the spot.
Someone who has experienced some cognitive decline may feel embarrassed when he or she gets confused and can’t remember an important detail, especially in front of a group of people. If the whole family is telling stories and reminiscing together, don’t single out the person living with dementia by asking a detail-oriented question like ”Dad, do you remember what you said to Mom on our camping trip when she backed the car into a tree?” Instead, ask a broader, open-ended question like “Dad, do you have a favorite memory about the camping trips we went on?” to encourage sharing without quizzing.
Do look at photographs together; Don’t expect the person to recognize everything.
Rather than pointing to a picture and asking “Who’s this?” you can offer your own commentary: “That looks like Grandma when she was younger” or “This picture must have been taken at your wedding. Look at all those funny hats.” If you come across certain photos that spark vivid memories for your family member living with dementia, set them aside and keep them handy to revisit often.
Do share your own thoughts as they relate to the memories your loved one shares; Don’t monopolize the conversation.
If you have set up a session to record your loved one’s memories, it’s ok to make it two-sided and tell some of your own stories. But it’s also important to be a patient listener. Even if your family member struggles to find the right words at first or talks very slowly, keep listening. Your patience may be rewarded with a wonderful anecdote or memory.
Do ask specific, personal questions; Don’t interrogate.
If there’s something your family member living with dementia can’t remember or doesn’t want to share, accept that and move on. Keep your questions conversational and feel free to probe a little bit for extra details, but don’t demand answers. Remember, you want to facilitate a positive experience for the person, not an uncomfortable one.
Do ask good questions and record the discussion; Don’t expect a five-hour session.
If you sense the person living with dementia has become tired, frustrated, or eager to change the subject, call it a day. On the other hand, be prepared to continue listening for as long as the person wants to keep sharing. Try not to end the session until a natural stopping point is reached.
Do focus on general memories and emotions; Don’t focus on exact facts and details.
The goal is to give your family member living with dementia the opportunity to share cherished memories with the people he or she loves. You don’t need to record a precise journalistic account of the person’s life.
Activities to capture and preserve memories with your family member living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias should focus on what that person can and wants to remember. You can help to minimize frustration by paying attention to your loved one’s limitations and adapting opportunities for reminiscing accordingly.
5 thoughts on “Capturing Memories for Someone Living with Alzheimer’s”
Linda Husvar
I live with several people who have dementia in an assistive living facility. I am encouraging them to tell me their stories.
Bruce Felt
Hi Linda,
This response is very late to the game, so to speak – just found this site. Would it be helpful if your residents had photos and captions they could share with you? or even a simple-to-use video digital player they could play back occasionally? This helps provide topics of conversation and may spark a strong recollection here and there. Just curious about how we can help residents and families stay connected to family memories.
Sabrina Addams
I loved your suggestion to look at photos that may spark important or good memories the person with dementia has had but to not expect them to remember or recall. My great aunt was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and my family and I have been trying to find the right thing to do for her. I think hiring an in-home dementia care service may be a great way to make sure she is okay and comfortable.
kathy A Tandy
Hi,
My Mom is moving into a Memory care facility. My Dad will be in Independent living in a different building on the same campus.
I am looking for a questionnaire I can send to my siblings to help fill out that will have information about Mom. I am thinking old pets, favorite flower, favorite ice cream, etc. Are you aware of a questionnaire that already exists. I plan on making a book about Mom for the caregivers in her facility. Thank you, Kathy
kathy A Tandy
Hi,
My Mom is moving into a Memory care facility. My Dad will be in Independent living in a different building on the same campus.
I am looking for a questionnaire I can send to my siblings to help fill out that will have information about Mom. I am thinking old pets, favorite flower, favorite ice cream, etc. Are you aware of a questionnaire that already exists. I plan on making a book about Mom for the caregivers in her facility. Thank you, Kathy