A Creative Approach to Communication
For people living with dementia, verbal communication may become increasingly difficult.
At Storied Lives we look for ways around these language barriers by taking a creative approach to communication. When I sit down with someone to record their life story I'll use images, rather like scaffolding, to help the storyteller build their story. Visuals, such as photographs, objects and physical expression, make it easier for people living with dementia to share their own thoughts, feelings and memories.
In the following video, When words fail.. Making memories visible, you'll see how the visual cues enable Fran, in spite of aphasia, to be part of a conversation about her life. For some tips on easing communication and/or getting started with a life story project download the PDF Communication Tips for Partners-in-Care.
Making memories visible is something we can all enjoy.
Here are some simple tips to get you started!
Gathering together items mentioned in a story is a fun way to make memories visible.
For example:
- Objects that can be handled.
- Music that can be played or danced to.
- Clothing, such as hats and other period accessories, that can be tried on.
- Food that can be tasted.
Eventually, these items will form a small collection of resources to accompany a life story document.
Other ways to 'enliven' a conversation include:
- Drawing a memory.
- Singing a remembered song together.
- Baking a recipe mentioned in the story.
- Or maybe even re-enacting the memory!
The rotary phone and The Canadian Doctor journal were loaned courtesy of Museums Ottawa.
During a recent arts reminiscence program Helen and Meghan prepared a skit about Helen's working life as a medical receptionist.
They lined up some chairs to create a reception area; Helen's son, Michael, enrolled as the 'whiny patient' and two other group members joined him as the 'good patient' and the 'coughing patient', while Helen answered the phone!
Syd, Helen's husband, was watching from the sidelines.
“I remember him saying, “Now I feel like I have to go pick her up from work.” It was really cool to see how a simple medical office set-up actually transported Helen and Syd to another period of time. Super cool!”
These activities prioritize non-verbal communication and emotional expression and make time spent together fun and engaging for everyone!
