Transcript What is a Memory Box?

An evaluation of Memory
Boxes
Jane Hibberd
&
Chia Swee Hong
Rekindling Memories at Home
Project
Partnership
working between
x8 museums across
Suffolk and
Alzheimer’s Society
branches
(Lowestoft,
Waveney, Ipswich)
What is a Memory Box?
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Consists of old objects
to help prompt
memories
Presented in a small box
or suitcase
To be used by
family/carers/support
workers looking after a
person with dementia at
home
Anticipated benefits of project
Improved QOL for people experiencing
dementia
 Improved relationships within families who have
a family member with dementia
 Improved understanding of the effects of
dementia and how to support people
experiencing dementia within the wider
community
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Methodology
X 15 questionnaires – sent to:
Users
Carers/close relatives/friends
Support workers
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Informal observations
Findings: users
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Q: liked/disliked memory box?
Q: any assistance to complete questionnaire?
Liked the memory box because of its: ‘variety of
contents in particular the newspaper and book on local
history’
‘mother is unable to complete this’
Findings: carers/close relatives/friends
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Q: strong/weak points of memory box?
Q: help user with memory box?
Q: recommend box for people with memory difficulties?
Q: inspired to make a personal memory box?
Used box as a communication tool
Difference of opinion regarding number of objects with the box
Need objects that are gender specific
Users should be assessed prior to using box as can bring back ‘bad memories’
‘Certainly helped to stimulate the brain and bring back lovely memories’
‘Liked the idea of talking about something’
‘Everyday objects raised the most comments’
‘Not too sure I could assemble enough items of interest’
Findings: support workers
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Q: did you find boxes helpful/unhelpful?
Q: do you have any comments about the boxes?
Boxes were helpful
Facilitated communication
Promoted stimulation of the senses
Need to personalise the objects
‘As a means to engaging/empowering a person with dementia in conversation’
‘A tactile experience for some with very little speech’
‘Cases too formal and business like’
Conclusions
Memory boxes found to be helpful strategies –
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Enhancing user’s communication
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Stimulating their memories
Recommendations
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Assess client
Ensure variety of boxes that stimulate all the
senses
Consider selected items – gender specific,
personal etc
Detailed guidelines
System of support
Acknowledgments
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Lyn Gash: Suffolk Museums Officer
Julie Heathcote: Trainer in reminiscence based
approaches and Approved Alzheimer’s Society
trainer for reminiscence