The Power of Reminiscence

Reminiscence means remembering past experiences, which we do daily. It is a natural and social activity that bridges yesterday and today. But why is it so important for someone with Alzheimer's disease? On the one hand, reminiscence allows them to return to a happier period of their life when they were healthy and in control. But what we often forget is that this activity can also give us back something we lost long ago: pleasure with our loved one.

Too often, we are overwhelmed by caregiving, spending our time monitoring the person, living with worry, and this takes up all the space in the relationship. We lose the energy for enjoyable activities, or we simply no longer make time for them. We often hear about "empowering seniors," but we don't talk enough about the intimate moments we forget. Indeed, empowering people means letting them experience things they have always been a part of. Making time for these activities is a challenge. But it is so worth it. By taking the time to engage in reminiscence, we allow ourselves to reconnect with the person we love, and we stop seeing our loved one as someone always in direct need; we get closer to them and, most importantly, create intimate moments.

But how do you rekindle the memories of someone with memory problems? How do you have a conversation when, today, the words just don't come to them? It's not always easy. But there is always a solution. You can use memory triggers. Take out an old pipe, put some Pledge on a washcloth, find a sewing machine oil pump, and let your loved one smell them. Everyday smells will revive their memories. Let the person touch, smell, and express themselves. Don't hesitate to go to an antique shop to find old objects (handbag, egg beater, curling iron, pipe, etc.), even if they are broken, they will revive memories for your loved one.
Sometimes, all it takes is seeing a photo for memories to ignite. And other times, memories are not expressed through speech but through music. It's time to rediscover the songs your loved one used to dance to. Music will allow you to fill the house or room with an atmosphere we have long lost because we are too focused on caregiving.

And for the best days, ask them open-ended questions so that the person is always in a successful situation. We know that sometimes memories don't come, but other times, memories come in thousands. You will be surprised by their accuracy, by the details that will lull you into these memories, as if you were there. You might even surprise yourself by learning more about your loved one and seeing them in a new light. By letting the person talk and get lost in the details of their stories, we not only get closer to them, but we also allow them to relive the joy of those happy moments. Remember to look the person in the eyes while they are speaking, make them feel that they have your full attention, and you will have a wonderful shared experience.

Reminiscence is an important activity in maintaining the autonomy of seniors, but above all, it is a beautiful way to experience touching moments with your loved one. This inexpensive activity is easy to do at home and can also be done in a care home, and that is what makes it essential for empowering seniors.