The Memory Unit OT

Memory books are such an easy way to create something personal and meaningful for your Residents. And when we say ‘memory book’, we’re essentially talking about a scrapbook filled with things that are meaningful to your Resident.

Over the years, I’ve seen some families create their own books to bring in, I’ve had families work with therapists during sessions to create them with the Resident, and I’ve also had families simply drop off photos of family and friends that I can use to make a book with my Resident during a session.

While the concept is pretty straight-forward, there is a skilled and therapeutic way to go about making these books that I find makes all the difference.

One. It’s important to remember that the goal here isn’t to get Residents to regain memories that have been entirely lost. It’s not a quiz book and it’s certainly not the opportunity to ‘force memories’ upon someone. If it is used to memory/cognitive training, that needs to be done within a skilled session or following skilled instruction and training.

Two. Include both images and words. Include headers, small labels, names, dates – basic, simple information that describes the contents of each page. Keep the labels in the first-person: “my family”, “our trip to Disney”. This will both create a sense of orientation for your Resident and allow other staff members to use the book as an intervention tool once it’s complete (you know, because they’ll be able to read the headings, dates, and names to your Resident).

Three. Make it waterproof if you can. If you’re using a traditional scrapbook or the plastic binder sleeves, use clear packing tape to seal off the open edge. If a family wants to use an online printer to create the book, recommend a glossy page finish. Because sometimes spills and fluids and messes happen when you’re living with dementia, and it’s up to the people providing care to modify the environment in light of that.

Four. Use large print fonts and bigger images where you can. Anything smaller than a 4×6 photo may be too small. We want this to be easily viewed and easily readable.

Five. It doesn’t have to be just family photos. It could also include images of home, a favorite place, a favorite animal. Anything that is meaningful to the Resident can be included here.

Six. If you as a therapist can include the Resident’s family in a session to assemble this book, do it. There are so many ways a Memory Book can be integrated into a session once completed, but don’t forget that making and assembling the book is also a great treatment technique AND a great way to build rapport/integrate family members into these skilled activities.