We love as we listen
Last Thursday I went to the home of a very special woman. As a personal historian in Ohio, it was my great privilege to be able to videotape this 94-year-old in her country home at the request of her grandson. There was a sparkle in her eye as she shared her story
READ MOREMemoryBio - new reminiscence curriculum for Alzheimer's Disease
I saw a need when I came into skilled nursing communities or memory care units to provide a simple way for people to have a way of visiting with people who have memory loss or Alzheimer's Disease. MemoryBio provides one-on-one or small group activities involves sharing a picture or multiple pictures provided in the MemoryBio Photo Album.
READ MORECapturing life stories for someone with early-stage Alzheimer's disease
When someone has been dianosed with early stage Alzheimer's Disease, it is important to capture as many details of his or her life stories as possible, as quickly as possible. It may not seem like the details matter, but they do and they will. In fact, it will be critical to delivering the best possible service and care.
READ MOREStorytelling and Reminiscence Therapy for People with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia
People with memory problems can benefit greatly from reminiscence and life review processes. Unfortunately, too often memories are lost and forgotten before this critical information is captured. Professional caregivers and family caregivers are more and more interested in asking the right questions and recording the answers too
READ MORELife Stories Work and Social Work
Social histories and life stories...
A typical social history is an interview process used by a social worker during an intake process, typically associated with medical services. It would detail where someone grew up, and who the immediate family is and how to contact them. It would talk about the person's educational background and their family and marital status. Work life would be a key part of a social history, and it may even include hobbies and interests. The social history may include any problems or concerns the person is facing....and look to the future to have the person describe their goals.
Life stories in geriatric care management and social work
There are various ways that reminiscence and life review work can be used in geriatric care management and social work. Life stories are an excellent way to build relationships with your clients. Here's how and why it works:
READ MOREThe rise of breadmaking again? Maybe so....here are some tips.
Today I went to the grocery store and I was startled to see bread selling for $3.99 a loaf for the decent kind that has some substance to it. "What!" I thought. "I can buy a 5lb bag of flour on sale for $2 and make four loaves of bread for that same price...and I will know what's in it too!" And that's just what I did.
READ MOREKitty is back
At 5 a.m. this morning, Kitty returned home. She had been gone for at least a week. Her official name is Dalmatian, but she really goes by Kitty most of the time. She is a beautiful cat and she is the love of my 14-year-old daughter's life. We've had her at the house since the day she was born. She is the cutest cat we've ever seen. Anyway, Kitty disappeared around Dec. 25th or 26th and we were concerned that we would never see her again. I've been consoling my daughter for days
READ MOREUncovering family history and the lessons from the past
Watch this incredible story from GrowingBolder.com about a woman who discovered her fathers' letters and realized what he and his family had endured during World War II. Touched by both the war in Europe and Asia too....amazing story. Let this inspire you to pursue your own family history and the stories behind the people you love--while you have the chance.
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