Looking back and looking forward:
reminiscence work

by palurie | June 18, 2012 14:38

Why choose this course?

• reminiscence work, or life review work, is a way of working with older people to reconnect them to significant events in their history
• remembering and re-experiencing of past joys and pains reminds individuals of their own strength and coping mechanisms and decreases the likelihood of depression
• research and experience show that the energy generated from a reminiscence group continues after the session re-motivating a person to continue in the decision making of their own lives
• it enables staff to respect the breadth of an older person’s experience and to see them as more than dependent people
• this staff change of perception ensures that infantilisation and other forms of psychological abuse are far less likely to happen

Length of course: 1 days 9.30 ~ 4.30

Expected outcomes: by the end of this course participants will be able to

• understand the process of reminiscing and sharing memories
• listen with purpose and sensitivity
• challenge the context of ageism in the workplace and wider society
• recognise where they are already practicing reminiscence therapy
• build on pre-existing skills
• experiment with creative media and presentation
• flexibly use a range of resources
• recognise and use ‘preferred sense’ in communication
• reassess basic group work principles
• value play in well being and be able to have and facilitate fun

Nature of training: maximum of 16 staff members in participative group work.
Exercises will range from lecture style input (small) to discussion and small group work and to individual sharing within pairs.
Hand outs will be provided to reinforce all theoretical input.
A range of reminiscence materials will be available to explore.
Collage, art and drama will contribute to the sessions. This will be easily accessible!

Requirements for participants:
1. To bring an object of sentimental value that they would take with them if they had to go to live in permanent residential care.
2. To bring a contribution of food which has positive memories associated with it. (Once we had 10 lots of bread pudding as this was a speciality of grannies in the area, but it’s a risk we’ll work with!)
3. Wear casual clothing that they would feel comfortable painting in.
4. Come with a willingness to try out new techniques.

Source URL: https://leapfrogtraining.co.uk/courses/older-people/looking-back-and-looking-forward-reminiscence-work/

---