It seems pretty clear that, for dementia sufferers, the best way to access remaining cognition is through memories of the past. And a few days ago I learned of a BBC resource which looks really good for helping carers to assist sufferers in stirring their old memories.
It is for those who live in the UK and who can access the BBC and its website. Called RemArk, (Reminiscence Archive) it's a collection of old material which can help conjure up the past. It's searchable by decade or by theme, so that if your cared-for person is particularly stirred by, music, say, or animals, you can search that way, or, if a particular era is evocative, then it stretches by searchable decade back to the 1930s and as far forward as the 2000s. There seems to be lots there, so I think there will be something for everyone. (Even I felt quite emotional to see a picture of 'Muffin the Mule', a stringed wooden puppet which was a mule who would interact with his 'sideckick' Ann Hogarth who appeared with him, playing the piano so he could dance and holding 'conversations' with him). He first appeared on TV in the 1940s. and it was pretty simple, innocent stuff, which I don't think would hold the child of today's attention for very long. But for me, it reminded me of tea time with my mum in front of the fire.
If you can't access this resource then it's worth trying to find some simple household objects from the past, or old family photos and try a discussion about them with your cared-for person. Ask questions. "Do you remember when this happened?" "Can you remember what this was used for" and so on.
At the very least this can be a distraction and help to calm agitation.
That’s excellent Callendersgal and very helpful to those caring for dementia sufferers. I recall Pete’s mum talking about her Aunt May and living in Yorkshire many years ago. Her memory was very clear regarding that time in her life. I have seen on tv some time ago, shops containing things that were on sale many years ago. These were in care homes but what a great idea.
Thank you for sharing that.
Hope you’re keeping well. Our eldest son has covid again and our granddaughter who’s 7, tested positive this morning. So it goes on.
Hi sassy59, sorry to hear about your son's covid and i hope it'll be a mild case. It just goes to show how transmissible it is! And now your granddaughter too. As you say, it goes on... and on.... and on!I remember a book I read once written by an older lady, Eugenie Fraser, about her experiences growing up in Russia called 'The House by the Dvina' and her recollection of that period of her life was crystal clear. I think our pasts always end up being very important and precious to us when we get older.
There's a museum in Basingstoke, fairly close to us, which is focused on old transport and old shops, apparently, and having seen it on TV, I'm hoping to go soon. I believe they show groups of local dementia sufferers around and they must get quite a lot out of that I think! xxx 💖😊👍🔆
Thank you for your kind reply Callendersgal. We’re hoping our daughter-in-law doesn’t get it. I’ve seen the museum in Basingstoke on tv and I’m sure Pete would love to go. It’s something he’d enjoy. I would imagine dementia sufferers would really enjoy it. Xxx💕
Sounds a great idea Callendersgal as my sister can recall events from her childhood really easily but doesn’t remember what happened last week. I send all her close relatives birthday cards and presents on her behalf as she’s forgotten all the dates but still recognises us all 👍👍
I have been very nostalgic during all the lockdowns looking back. I remember Muffin the Mule and my favourite was The Wooden Tops every Friday afternoon and my grandmother would make me cooked cheese and onion to dip my bread in. It was a highlight of my week. Wednesday was Bill and Ben 🤗🤗🤗
As an afterthought, when I started school we had a big fire with a fireguard in one classroom. It was lovely and cosy and I loved school. It would certainly be banned now for obvious reasons 😉😉
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