An evaluation of Memory Boxes Jane Hibberd & Chia Swee Hong

Rekindling Memories at Home Project Partnership working between x8 museums across Suffolk and Alzheimers Society branches (Lowestoft, Waveney, Ipswich) Partnership working between x8 museums across Suffolk and Alzheimers Society branches (Lowestoft, Waveney, Ipswich)

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

Anticipated benefits of project Improved QOL for people experiencing dementia Improved QOL for people experiencing dementia Improved relationships within families who have a family member with 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 Improved understanding of the effects of dementia and how to support people experiencing dementia within the wider community

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

Findings: users Q: liked/disliked memory box? Q: liked/disliked memory box? Q: any assistance to complete questionnaire? 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

Findings: carers/close relatives/friends Q: strong/weak points of memory box? Q: strong/weak points of memory box? Q: help user with memory box? Q: help user with memory box? Q: recommend box for people with memory difficulties? Q: recommend box for people with memory difficulties? Q: inspired to make a personal memory box? 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

Findings: support workers Q: did you find boxes helpful/unhelpful? Q: did you find boxes helpful/unhelpful? Q: do you have any comments about the boxes? 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

Conclusions Memory boxes found to be helpful strategies – Enhancing users communication Enhancing users communication Stimulating their memories Stimulating their memories

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

Acknowledgments Lyn Gash: Suffolk Museums Officer Lyn Gash: Suffolk Museums Officer Julie Heathcote: Trainer in reminiscence based approaches and Approved Alzheimers Society trainer for reminiscence Julie Heathcote: Trainer in reminiscence based approaches and Approved Alzheimers Society trainer for reminiscence