Memory books can help dementia patients by redirecting behavior and helping them to remember who they and their families are. Include short descriptions below photos to help your loved one remember events and people including relatives, friends, marriage, the birth of children, and current information such as your loved one’s schedule and important phone numbers.
Benefits of Using Memory Books
Since a memory book is a simple story of your loved one’s life, it can help him or her remember important information, reduce challenging behaviors such as repetitive questioning and exit-seeking, make conversation easier, and provide comfort and reassurance.
Memory books can also help professional care partners get to know your loved one living in a care community. You can guide the conversation by making comments about photos and other information in the memory book. If your loved one starts to ramble, it’s easier to redirect the conversation when you are looking at a memory book.
Always smile and act interested in what your loved one is saying, even if it’s confusing to you. Finally, don’t ask a lot of specific questions, as your loved one may not be able to respond correctly. Even if your loved one says something you know is wrong, don’t contradict.
How To Make a Memory Book
Creating a memory book is one of the best memory-boosting tips you can use to help your loved one. This doesn’t have to be an expensive venture — you can use a three-ring binder or scrapbook. Choose glue that won’t cause pictures to wrinkle, and gather the information that you think is important for your loved one to remember. Don’t overwhelm them with details, and stay focused on positive events in their life that won’t cause distress.
- Step 1: Create the Cover
When you create the cover, include a picture of your loved one in his or her younger years and a current picture. Below the pictures, create labels that say, “This is me several years ago,” and “This is me today.” - Step 2: Choose the Main Content Sections
Choose the main content sections for organizing your information pages. In addition to a “Current” section with helpful information for their life now, consider sections about important life events such as “When I was a kid,” “My first job,” “My marriage,” “Child 1,” “Child 2,” “Where I used to work,” etc. - Step 3: Create the Information Pages
Remember when creating text, be sure it’s large enough for your loved one to read if he or she has vision problems. Include photos whenever possible.To get you started, pages within the “Current” section can include topics such as:- My Schedule
- My Full Name and Address
- This Is Where I Live (current photo of your loved one’s home or care facility)
- Emergency Contact Information
- “Things I Must Remember” that might include family members’ phone numbers or other important information
- “This is Where I…” (photos of the inside of your loved one’s current residence showing the various locations related to activites: “This is where I eat,” “This is where I watch TV,” etc.)
- “My Favorite Foods”
- “My Favorite Hobbies”
Continue adding information and photos to highlight each content section until the memory book is complete and you can share it with your loved one.
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