The aim is to have meaningful conversations. Those conversations can provide dignity and comfort to the sufferer, and practical and enriching engagement for their family and friends. Jude Rhodes will share a project recipe about family history and dementia on August 8. Join us. Projectkin.org/events
My mom and I used to bring old photo albums when we would visit my grandfather who had dementia. It was so helpful, especially as his dementia progressed.
Oh, I agree. I think the key here is respecting the dignity of the elder by creating situations where they will feel like they’re contributing to "meaningful conversations" as Jude puts it.
It's so easy to point to pictures of great grandchildren and say something like "Oh, Grandma, you know Mary, she's named for you..." 💔 Though unintentional, that can make her feel bad and have her shut down, just when she needs to engage the little one. Put a book in front of her and let her tell little Mary about her own childhood instead.
Jude's program will be available as a video, complete with a searchable transcript. We'll send the recording out to all Projectkin subscribers within an hour or two after the program concludes.
Thanks Jude for sharing your experience and ideas. Such an important step to preserving those memories for future generations of our families. How critical too in framing those 'meaningful conversations' about the past. Trying to discover the 'why's' we did something in our past, as well as the what's we did. Looking forward to your event.
On my mothers nightstand was her bio and family history heavily annotated with photos. We would read and review these everyday, and some days she would remember, others not, but the books provided a bridge to her past and brought her peace. Good article, good advice.
My mom and I used to bring old photo albums when we would visit my grandfather who had dementia. It was so helpful, especially as his dementia progressed.
Oh, I agree. I think the key here is respecting the dignity of the elder by creating situations where they will feel like they’re contributing to "meaningful conversations" as Jude puts it.
It's so easy to point to pictures of great grandchildren and say something like "Oh, Grandma, you know Mary, she's named for you..." 💔 Though unintentional, that can make her feel bad and have her shut down, just when she needs to engage the little one. Put a book in front of her and let her tell little Mary about her own childhood instead.
Hi, thanks for your comment in the thread. Exactly, it's all about dignity, engagement and focussing on what is relevant to the person.
Family history allows us to find relevant common ground tuning in to the memories that can be recalled.
Hi Nicole, I hope you have lovely memories of your grandfather ❤️
What a great idea to use family history to help people with dementia!
Thanks Laurence. Join us on the 8th August, it would be great to see you.
I'd love to, Jude. But it won't be possible. I'm leaving tomorrow to visit my son in Hong Kong. Maybe next time.
Jude's program will be available as a video, complete with a searchable transcript. We'll send the recording out to all Projectkin subscribers within an hour or two after the program concludes.
Oh great! Thanks.
Thanks Jude for sharing your experience and ideas. Such an important step to preserving those memories for future generations of our families. How critical too in framing those 'meaningful conversations' about the past. Trying to discover the 'why's' we did something in our past, as well as the what's we did. Looking forward to your event.
Hi Peter, thanks for your comment. I really look forward to seeing you on the 8th August
On my mothers nightstand was her bio and family history heavily annotated with photos. We would read and review these everyday, and some days she would remember, others not, but the books provided a bridge to her past and brought her peace. Good article, good advice.
That's exactly the model, Ron. Thank you for sharing, and I'm so sorry for your loss. 🥺