Implementation of Memory Boxes Targeted for Individuals Dealing with Dementia By: Heather Ludwick

Dementia  As defined by alziemers.org, Dementia is not a specific disease. It's an overall term that describes a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person's ability to perform everyday activities.

Items Needed  Letter to family that goes out explaining what we are doing.  Shoe Box- donated by the staff at Facility  Paper and supplies to decorate the box.  Photos, trinkets, and anything else that the family may want to include.  Be sure to add everything in the box to the residents inventory list in their chart as these things need to be accounted for!

Initial Response When the individual saw the Memory Box she didn’t remember what it was. After some conversation a little of the information about the box came back.

Resident Engaging more After some conversation the individual becomes more involved and recognizes the individuals in the box.

Summary of interaction Always be sure to thank the resident for allowing you to work with them. Place everything neatly in the box and let them know that someone will work with them again using their memory box another day.

Reflection and documentation  After you are finished and all materials have been placed in proper storage area. Be sure to reflect making notes of how the interaction went.  You want to be sure to document that Memory Box implementation was done and how the interaction with resident was.