How Reminiscence Therapy Improves The Lives Of The Elderly
Elderly Care in Tallahassee FL
Reminiscence Therapy, or RT, is an effective method for helping elders with mental health concerns such as depression or dementia. RT utilizes a person’s own life story to improve their memory and 
psychological well-being. By recalling beloved lifetime memories, research has shown that elderly persons show a measurable improvement to their emotional needs.
Better still, RT does not require regular visits to a psychologist! Many family members and elderly care specialists can engage elders in RT activities in the comfort of their home. There are three main types of reminiscence therapy, each with their own benefits: informational, evaluative, and obsessive.
Informational – Encourages the retelling of favorite stories from one’s personal path. Helps improve depression by helping someone recall the things in life they have to be happy about. This is usually done in a one-on-one setting.
Evaluative – Sharing life stories in a group setting. This improves social relationships between elders and others. Seen as the main type of RT, it’s a wonderful way to strengthen bonds between elders and their caregivers.
Obsessive – Encourages the telling of stories to let go of troublesome thoughts that are causing stress or guilt. Though it may be difficult and take time, allowing one to “get it out” can help them finally work through the issue and be at peace with themselves.
Encouraging Successful Reminiscence
There are many different ways caregivers can engage their elders in RT. It starts with knowing their individual interests, such as music, art, or favorite activities. This can give a launching pad for success. If these things are unknown, caregivers can still find some success with a little extra probing.
Music is often the first place specialists turn to, as music tends to weave its way through the generations. Playing songs from an elder’s earlier lifetime can help stimulate positive memories. This is particularly effective when favorite songs are played.
Movies can also have the same effect. In fact, there are entire workbooks and games centered around movies to help aid in RT activities. They usually begin with recalling certain people, places, events, or songs featured in the film, then working back to more personal memories (such as who they enjoy watching it with, or what they feel when watching).
Sharing photographs is another way to stimulate reminiscence. Studies conducted at nursing homes that encourage RT have shown that elders deeply enjoy sharing cherished images and memories with others. Caregivers can have a “show-and-tell” session with photos, where all participants can share why certain photos are important to them.
Reminiscence therapy is an incredibly successful way to stimulate and improve the lives of elderly loved ones. Family members can use RT to maintain memory and psychological health. Those who may be concerned that they cannot foster RT at home, or want to help an elder improve socially, may want to consider a home care specialist.
In addition to helping with household tasks such as cooking and cleaning, many home care specialists become welcome friends for elders who still live alone. RT activities can help elders become more comfortable with new people, and even turn home care specialists into appreciated companions.
If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Tallahassee Florida, please call the caring staff at Hopewell In-Home Senior Care today: (FL) 850-386-5552 , (GA) 229-236-5552 . Providing Senior Care Services in North Florida & South Georgia
Source
http://www.alzheimers.net/2014-04-22/reminiscence-therapy-improves-alzheimers/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15846613
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reminiscence_therapy
Jami D. Eddy
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