The holiday season can be a difficult time for nursing home residents suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. However, providers can help make the holidays a joyful experience for them by using a unique therapy method that encourages them to talk about happy memories.
Mississippi State University geropsychology researchers are encouraging providers to use reminiscence therapy, which encourages seniors with memory problems to discuss memories throughout their life, specifically positive memories.
Previous studies have shown that the therapy method can improve individuals’ quality of life, communication and mood, the researchers noted. They also argue that the therapy method could serve as an “effective coping strategy when other communication becomes difficult.”
Suggestions for implementing reminiscence therapy included: be an attentive listener and ask follow-up questions; use low-impact activities that engage multiple senses; and encourage residents to talk about any memories that come to mind during those activities.
“Use visual aids to help with prompting retrieval of memories, such as pictures of past holiday events. Pictures can prompt older adults of specific past events,” the researchers wrote.
