A dementia memory box can also open up the lines of communication something which people with dementia can find particularly difficult as well as making your relative feel more at ease and providing an activity that interests them.
What to put in a memory box for dementia.
What goes in a memory box.
That depends upon what has always been important to your senior loved one.
There is such a wide scope of materials that can be used when putting together the memory box.
Though dementia signage and pictures both have their place of course.
The memory box itself can take many forms.
So what goes in to a memory box for an adult with dementia.
Things you traditionally put in a memory box can range from family photos to vacation souvenirs old letters dried flowers artwork from the kids or grandkids and keys to the senior s first car.
It should be easy to access and lift store a number of items of reasonable shapes and sizes and fit on your loved one s lap or a small table.
Placing an object in the memory box that has personal significance to someone is more effective than any signage or even picture because people respond more positively to a 3d object.
A large jewellery box.
The sense of smell is closely linked with memory and is the strongest of the five senses.
A box 12 inches by 9 inches about the size of a shoebox is ideal.
One of the more successful strategies is to make their room unique and more familiar to them by using a memory box.
Install it next to the door and decorate it with the picture name and personal keepsakes such as a baseball glove or cherished trophy.
If the memory box has compartments make sure they suit the senior s fingers and dexterity.
Anything can be used to put in a memory box but before you start to think of items you could use it is well worth considering whether you are making it for a particular timeline in history eg.
What type of box can you use.
These can range from personal photographs and possessions to items bought from a shop.