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Positive Emotional
Moments
By
Beverly Moore |
Question:
What is meant by emotional memory?
Answer:
Memory that is never affected by dementia is emotional
memory, for good or bad. Emotional memory is processed on a
different pathway in the mind from memory of names, places,
people, etc. As care partner, you can provide many positive
emotional memories in fun activities. The person won’t
perhaps remember what you did together; they will
remember the good feeling they have as a result.
Now that spring is here, this is a good time to plan outdoor
activities when the temperatures become more pleasing and
days are longer. There is much to do outdoors that is
stimulating and fail-free for your family member with
dementia. Walk in the park, feed ducks at a local pond, sit
by the ocean eating ice cream cones, or visit historic
landmarks. Write a list of things that they liked before the
disease did not allow them to initiate or organize
pleasurable activity, and try a few. If the person had an
interest in golf, boating, gardening or fishing, these
interests can be modified to fit their current ability. Go
to a putting green instead of playing 9 holes, fish in a
small area with a simple rig, sail the bay on a charter
boat, go bird watching or plant a small garden; all these
can fill days with pleasure.
Remember that we cannot expect the person to recall the
event but we can enjoy it with them at that moment (or
afternoon). Plan the activity to simply spend time with
them. Time together is the best gift you can give. |
About The Author
Beverly
is owner of Alzheimer Coaching Services which serves
Metropolitan and West Suburban Boston, South Shore, Suffolk,
south Norfolk and Bristol counties. She offers coaching to
understand dementia and to learn how to accommodate the
person through habilitation methods. Three Title III E Older
American Act grants provide free coaching to families in the
south Norfolk, South Shore and Bristol areas. Her company is
located in Quincy and you may reach her at (617) 233-1145 or
visit her web site at
www.alzheimercoachingservices.com
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