The Importance Of Reminiscence For Individuals Living With Dementia

It is expected that by 2025 there will be over 1 million people in the UK living with dementia. And by 2051, this will rise to over 2 million. Knowing this, it’s not hard to see why it has never been more important to understand the condition. And while research into dementia is vital to learning how to delay or prevent onset, it’s equally important to know how to support those living with it.

And that’s where reminiscence comes in. Sharing memories and stories from the past and using reminiscence furniture is a fantastic way to evoke happy memories and good feelings in anyone, not least those living with dementia. Not only this, but reminiscence has the potential to empower and boost confidence. Typically, a person with dementia is more able to remember stories and details from many years ago. So, using this as a way to interact and converse with an individual living with dementia can make a big difference to their day to day life.

Start By Listening

One of the best places to start when it comes to reminiscence is to simply listen. People living with dementia have a whole lifetime of stories to share. Some may bring them joy, such as talking about their family or their job. Listening, and engaging, with stories and conversations (whether rooted in the present or past) is a brilliant way of evoking happy memories. It may even be that the person remembers a skill that can be turned into an activity that brings joy. Feeling listened to and valued is important for self esteem and confidence. So, simply taking the time to listen with interest, ask questions and engage can be a great way to help an individual relax.

Get Stuck In To An Activity

In talking to an individual living with dementia it may become apparent that they remember how to do a particular skill. Encouraging them to use this skill and explain it has the power to be so empowering – and enjoyable! From demonstrating how to change a nappy to singing or painting, there are a huge range of activities that can be utilised that will help build an individual’s sense of competence and confidence.

Further to this, don’t be afraid to bring technology into the equation when engaging with an individual living with dementia. Seeing pictures and videos or hearing songs from the past can be an incredibly powerful way of evoking happy memories and encouraging interaction. Many tablets and phones now are extremely accessible and intuitive to use, so supporting someone in their use of them for reminiscence purposes has incredible potential.

Use Surroundings & Senses

As someone living with dementia may experience a spectrum of cognitive difficulties, using a range of activities and methods to stimulate reminiscence is effective, too. This can begin with a person’s surroundings. Pictures, objects, furniture, and decoration can all transport someone to a time and place they remember quite tangibly. That’s why, here at Hill & Hill we have a whole range of reminiscence furniture and dementia furniture for care homes. Not only do they promote independence, furniture that evokes a certain era such as the 1950s or 1960s can be familiar and inviting. Creating a sense of home from home.

Our reminiscence furniture is specially designed to help evoke past memories and create a safe and comforting space for residents in care homes. Not only that, but they are designed to be durable, hygienic and functional. For example, we use only the highest quality waterproof fabrics for long lasting, easy to clean furniture that residents can enjoy.

Find Out More About Our Reminiscence Furniture

No matter your requirements, with reminiscence furniture Hill & Hill design can help you to create a welcome environment for residents. We have the capacity to make bespoke designs to suit your needs and, what’s more, each piece can be matched to a whole range of flame retardant furnishings and curtains. Contact us today to find out more.