reminiscence

Reminiscence is the process of recalling past memorable experiences. As we discussed this a the West Michigan Dementia Care Teamwork, I recognized how much I miss spending time doing this with my residents. I'm so thankful and humbled by the gifts God has given me in ministry and being able to touch the lives of seniors, adding life and joy and meaning to their years. How do we get out of our ruts? How do we get out of our offices and routines and invest in the hearts and minds of these dear ones? The tyranny of the urgent is too often the master of our moments.

Two great ideas they shared today I want to implement. One is a Montessori tool, using simple, two or three piece puzzles of faces, especially or children or babies and as the individual puts together the puzzle and sees the face, you try to draw out memories of babies or children from their past. The second is the use of odd pictures that you utilize to attempt to have the residents create a story from.

I need to purpose to implement this time commitment we've been talking about to just be with the people who need me, focusing on their needs and demonstrating the kind of care we want!