Ask them to tell you each step and talk through the memories of when they did this activity themselves.įinally, involve them by thinking back to your favorite memories with them! Cooking or doing activities that you hold dear to your heart is wonderful reminiscence therapy! You might feel like you are losing the loved one you have always known, but that doesn’t have to be the case.Īlways remember that long-term memory is rarely affected by dementia, so don’t hesitate to ask your senior loved one to tell you lots of stories from years gone by. The sense of touch is a very powerful tool in stimulating memories! Even if they don’t have the dexterity to help, allow them to direct while you do crafts. Try doing crafts that involve using your hands.Or maybe you could recreate a favorite snack they made for you as a treat when you were young. Maybe they used to make a special dish for holiday celebrations – you could make it for them and reminisce while eating together. Take lots of pictures of them cooking with you so you can show them later! If they are able, they may even be able to tell you how to make the dish or which spices are used in it. If your senior loved certain foods, then try making that food often. This goes back to cooking but tastes can be very stimulating to memories. Perhaps they have fond memories of being by the beach during holidays-you could use air fresheners that smell like the ocean. Smells are heavily associated with memories, so try cooking a favorite meal that reminds them of the things mom or grandma used to make. Cook favorite foods or do other activities that bring back certain smells. They might not remember clearly, but seeing pictures may help jar their memory so they can tell stories to you as you reminisce. Even if some of the memories are sad, it’s still good to allow your senior to feel these emotions so they can stimulate brain activity. Going through a treasure chest or old photo albums can be a wonderful way to stimulate good memories.
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