Where were you during the Queen’s visit? Using photographs to facilitate collective storytelling, resident identity and positive care relationships in aged care

Abstract

Objectives: This paper explores the potential of photographs as a tool to facilitate storytelling, reminiscence and social connections for older residents living in residential aged care and caregiving staff. Methods: Fourteen residents and three staff attended two sessions in which residents brought and shared personal photographs. Narrative enquiry was used to elicit individual and collective stories. Results: Narrative analysis of residents’ selected photographs overwhelmingly showed a younger self (n = 6), highlighting relationships (n = 6) and achievements (n = 6). Sharing images with other residents and staff enhanced new connections and personal communications. Conclusion: This research highlights the communicative value of photographs in aged care. Residents were able to reflect upon shared personal and global events—from the role of pets in their lives to public events such as the Queen's visit to Australia—and through discussion build a collective shared narrative. This enabled new connections and sharing of stories between staff and residents.