_edited.png)
connection
through life story
music &
technolgy
"We can learn all there is about Alzheimer's disease, how many types of dementia there are, clinical responses to challenging behavioral manifestations of the condition etc....but we must remind ourselves with every interaction that this is a human being with a story to learn and a life that goes on"
Reminiscing with Purpose
People living with dementia may not be able to remember recent events, but through creative reminiscing, we can help them capture their sense of self...and bring connections to those cherished memories and events of their lives. We do this over the course of our weekly visits; in person and/or virtually. Reviewing the individual's important life affirming Photos, Documents, Mementos and personal Songs, we can draw out those memories, record those stories, create a treasured "Life Story Digital Keepsake" or save it in the Legacy Stories digital archive.
The process builds a connection of trust & friendship with your loved one.
Reminiscing is a wonderful activity for a care partner that can be included in the daily routine that gives both the person with dementia and the care partner a purposeful and enjoyable part of their day.
In addition, collecting and using those memories and moments that are
important to the person with dementia in a "Life Story Snapshot" becomes the basis for better assisting the individual to regain their sense of self and for maintaining dignity and quality of life as the disease progresses and more hands on care is required.
Why create a "Life Story Snapshot"?
Sharing comprehensive Life information in a prepared document with a provider in a memory care community, nursing home, home care provider or hospital becomes a Valuable Tool to enhance quality of care.
Some items we include:
-
Basic current information: name, age, where they live now and in the past
-
Significant relationships with family and friends
-
Childhood times and Working life
-
Significant places and life events
-
Holidays and Cultural info
-
Music/TV preferences
-
Activities they enjoy/don’t enjoy
-
Pets
-
Music preferences
-
Faith or Spiritual beliefs/routines
-
Preferences with their appearance
-
Food likes and dislikes - current & past
-
Routines, triggers and "chill pills"
%20(10)_edited.png)
Studies conducted at the Mayo Clinic suggest that musical memories are often preserved in Alzheimer's disease because key brain areas linked to musical memory are relatively undamaged by the disease. Because music is processed in more areas of the brain than anything else….the memories connected to songs are still there! MOST important....Music connects us not only to the memories associated with the song, but to WHO we are, to other human beings, to community....it gives back Sense of Self!
Music has been shown to relieve stress and reduce anxiety depression and agitation. Music is particularly beneficial for people struggling with cognitive decline because it is easier for them to access the memory of a cherished melody than to recall a person’s name or a past event.
Enhancing quality of life thru musical experiences may include listening, singing, or playing instruments, and musical skills or talents are not required to participate. Holidays or other religious or cultural traditions are a great way to introduce music to your loved one. These are experiences that are deeply embedded in our memory and connected to all senses from a young age…like a Soundtrack to our Lives.
Identify songs by year here: THE NOSTALGIA MACHINE
Creating a Musical Soundtrack can become a routine Daily Activity you can do to connect a person with dementia to the Music of their Lives....and then sharing and enjoying those songs and the memories that come alive in the process is a Gift of JOY to enjoy anytime.
Technology driven Connection
using the Patented SociAVI platform for Communication, Brain Fitness, Games & More!
Watch Video DEMO here!
The Sociavi Communication platform can be personalized to meet YOUR needs with
Cognitive Fitness Activities, Fun Games, Fitness Videos and more!
Email me at fran@dementialivingsolutions.com to schedule a FREE DEMO!