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An evaluation of Memory Boxes

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?. Consists of old objects to help prompt memories

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An evaluation of Memory Boxes

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  1. An evaluation of Memory Boxes Jane Hibberd & Chia Swee Hong

  2. Rekindling Memories at Home Project Partnership working between x8 museums across Suffolk and Alzheimer’s Society branches (Lowestoft, Waveney, Ipswich)

  3. What is a Memory Box? • 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

  4. 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

  5. Methodology • X 15 questionnaires – sent to: Users Carers/close relatives/friends Support workers • Informal observations

  6. Findings: users • 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’

  7. Findings: carers/close relatives/friends • 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’

  8. Findings: support workers • 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’

  9. Conclusions Memory boxes found to be helpful strategies – • Enhancing user’s communication • Stimulating their memories

  10. Recommendations • Assess client • Ensure variety of boxes that stimulate all the senses • Consider selected items – gender specific, personal etc • Detailed guidelines • System of support

  11. Acknowledgments • Lyn Gash: Suffolk Museums Officer • Julie Heathcote: Trainer in reminiscence based approaches and Approved Alzheimer’s Society trainer for reminiscence

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