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Reminiscence Therapy
Reminiscence refers to the recollection of memories from the past that is familiar to us all and can be utilised for the benefit of others. Staff, friends and family encourage the act of reminiscence as this can be highly beneficial to the tenant’s inner self and their interpersonal skills, engaging memories, passing on information, wisdom and skills. It’s about giving tenants a sense of value, importance, belonging, power and peace.
At Mullan Mews the inclusion of relatives and friends can enhance the reminiscence time for all parties. Contained in the ‘sign up pack’ (which is completed before the tenant moves into Mullan Mews) there is a very important section - ‘All about you’ which covers areas such as the tenant’s hobbies, interests, personality, spouses, children, war time history, formative years, likes, dislikes and fears.
Reminiscing encourages tenants to remember things that have happened in their life. Some people do this silently and alone but usually they talk to someone. Reminiscence can be simple, casual and informal – over the dinner table or in the lounge. At Mullan Mews tenants reflect on the past in an informative and enjoyable way. Staff can refer to the ‘All about you’ to trigger tenants' memories. Providing photos or remembering incidents in the person’s life can increase the pleasure and engage tenants attention more fully.
Occasionally, unpleasant and stressful information is recalled. Dealing with these memories can provide resolution - a coming to terms with life events and possible closure. The tenant has the right to refuse activity involvement and this should be respected. Their refusal is valid for privacy, self protection and empowerment over their situation.
Reminisce via the medium of memory boxes September 09
As part of their training two Student Social Workers, Collette and Fiona, came to Mullan Mews to participate in a group work activity with the tenants.
Over a 4 week session they would cover the tenants’ days of the past, school, social, home, and working life. They brought along memory boxes which were supplied by the Ulster Museum. These boxes contained items which helped to elicit memories and encouraged tenants to share their memories and experiences with each other.
Every Monday afternoon for a four week period in October 2009 Fiona Brennan and I (both student social workers) met with a group of tenants from Mullan Mews and discussed the following topics - Going Out, Childhood, School days and Holidays.
The group sessions proved to be a success with tenants reporting that they found the discussions interesting and stimulating in terms of helping them recall important past events and memories.
From an academic perspective the sessions were extremely useful in terms of developing our group skills and expanding our knowledge base not only of the service that is provided by supported housing for people with dementia but also of the nature of the illness.
We both thoroughly enjoyed facilitating the sessions and engaging with the tenants. They were extremely welcoming of us into their home and actively participated in all discussions.
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