28THE VALIDATION OF A MEMORY BOX CONTENTS FOR PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract

Background: Memory boxes help stimulate the long term memory of a person living with dementia. It enables them to start opening up about their past and sharing fond memories but also allow the carer or loved one to gain a much deeper insight into who they are as a person. The memory box should stimulate all senses as evidence suggest that this can improve mood, self-esteem and overall wellbeing. Individuals in the later stage of dementia are often agitated which results in restless and emotional distress. Recalling happy memories can elicit a positive response and has calming results. Ideally individuals with dementia should have a personalised box. It is important that memory boxes are available in care homes and hospital wards where there are older patients with dementia. Local Problem: Whilst commercially available boxes are sold widely our aim was to investigate the views of a number of older individuals about the content of memory boxes. Methods: A focus group of eight individuals (5 men and 3 women) born between 1928 and 1949 with an average age of 78 years and 24 healthy older individuals who returned questionnaires (Ages 72-91) enabled us to explore items which would trigger those memories if present in a memory box. Results: Items were grouped under house and home; school; leisure and transport; jobs and work; technology; hobbies; clothes and food. The findings were then compared with local and Internet advertised memory boxes. No items identified by the focus group or the returned questionnaires were present within the designated boxes. Conclusion: By the use of appropriately aged individuals we have defined over 200 suggested items to be included within a variety of memory boxes. We have developed eight memory boxes that reflect the older people memory triggers.