Approximately 5.2 million Americans reportedly are living with Alzheimer’s disease. The disease’s hallmark symptoms – issues with memory and cognition – impair the ability of those afflicted to store new information in the brain. For these millions of men and women, using past experiences may be one of the best ways for them to make sense of the present, and may be the best way for families and friends to help their loved ones cope with this heartbreaking disease. That’s why, this World Alzheimer’s Day, the Home Instead Senior Care® network is inviting Monroe and Southern Wayne County families and friends affected by Alzheimer’s disease to do just that by sharing the gift of memory.
Area residents caring for loved ones impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are invited to create a Memory Box with their loved one – a collection of treasured items that represent past experiences and tell their personal story. This is just one innovative tool to help capture and stimulate the memories of loved ones living with the disease.
Research has shown that talking with people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias about their lives can create positive emotional experiences, reduce stress and provide a better quality of life. Memory Boxes can help to stimulate treasured memories as loved ones get older.
“For those struggling with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, smell, touch, taste and sound can be a powerful memory trigger,” says Michael J. Nelson, MRC, owner of the Home Instead Senior Care office serving Monroe and Southern Wayne County. “Something as simple as the feel of an old baseball glove, the familiar texture of seashells collected on vacation or childhood photos are the types of items that hold precious memories. A Memory Box containing these meaningful reminders can be a source of pleasure and encouragement for a loved one as they make the journey into old age.”
Here are a few tips on how to construct a Memory Box:
– Select a strong, robust box that is easy to store. A box 12 inches by 9 inches is ideal.
– Each item should relate to a memory that can be revisited time and time again. Be aware that some items may open the door to unhappy memories, and you may want to be sensitive to avoid or carefully address discussing these items.
– Remember that experiences stored in the brain are not just visual! Diaries, letters, newspaper articles and the like may be invaluable reminders.
– Try to include items that can not only be touched, but also heard and smelled.
– It is important to label photos and other items clearly. It may be helpful to include a note that explains why certain objects have been included.
The Memory Box is one of the many tools and ideas the Home Instead Senior Care network recommends for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or any other form of dementia. Other useful and free tools available through the network include:
– Alzheimer’s & Other Dementias Daily Companion App for real-time, on-the-go tips and suggestions to help manage and alleviate behavioral symptoms typically associated with dementia (available for download on Google Play and iTunes),
– Live online chats with Alzheimer’s experts accessed through the website www.HelpforAlzheimersFamilies.com,
– Family caregiver Alzheimer’s training workshops available at franchise locations across the United States, and
– Confidence to Care: A Resource for Family Caregivers Providing Alzheimer’s Disease or Other Dementias Care at Home, a new dementia care handbook for the family caregiver available for purchase through www.Amazon.com.
“Until we have a cure, we need to do everything we can to ensure caregivers and their families have the best support possible to help manage this devastating disease,” said Nelson, MRC.
For more information on the Home Instead Senior Care network and its available Alzheimer’s care resources, visit www.HelpforAlzheimersFamilies.com or call 734-240-3057.
