Reminiscence therapy (RT) encourages individuals, especially older adults or those with dementia, to recall and share personal memories. Caregivers can learn techniques to help their loved ones try RT.
Caregivers can help their loved ones remember past experiences by using prompts related to the senses – sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. This encourages storytelling, helps individuals feel connected to their past, and can bring out positive feelings.
Encourage your loved one to share their stories – whether spoken, written, or expressed through art. Try to focus on positive moments in their life, and keep the conversation going by showing genuine interest and asking open-ended questions.
Bring out old photo albums, encourage them to draw, or explore items like newspaper clippings, scrapbooks, and diaries together. You can also play music that connects to the memories, such as their wedding song while looking through the wedding album.
Prepare foods that hold special memories for your loved one, and share these meals while talking about what they remember. The familiar scent may spark even more memories, as smell is a powerful trigger. You might also introduce other scents, like a loved one’s perfume, to trigger memories from the past.
