Thinking about doing reminiscence work?

Reminiscence is a process that allows us to recall and relive events from the past. Remember how a particular picture, object, piece of music or smell triggers something from your own past?  Equally, a conversation with someone of a similar background or someone showing interest in what we have experienced can jolt the memory. It may not be chronological or historically accurate. Everyone reminisces, young and old. Think back to occasions when you have recalled past events, shared memories with colleagues, friends or members of your family. That is reminiscing.

Why should we do reminiscence work with older people?

There are many and varied benefits. Let us first consider some benefits for the individual experiencing the reminiscing. This might include:

• Reinforcing a sense of who they are and their feelings of self-worth about what they have lived through and achieved
• Providing interaction with other people and helping to form new relationships
• Assisting with making connections between past, present and future
• Increasing feelings of belonging and acceptance
• Helping with regaining interest in past hobbies and interests
• Helping them come to terms with growing older
• Increasing the ability to socialise, express themselves and communicate with others
• Providing a teaching role by sharing experience and perceptions about life
• Emphasising the individuality and uniqueness of each person
• Meeting emotional needs
• Reducing feelings of isolation and depression
• Helping deal with losses, life transitions and crises
• Increasing feelings of satisfaction with life
• Encouraging their creativity
• Reducing feelings of apathy
• Providing enjoyable activities
• Helping with the process of life review

Now let us look at advantages for staff, carers, family or volunteers. This might include:

• Gaining knowledge about the person’s life, history and achievements
• Understanding how past experience has affected the person’s current behaviour
• Enabling you to make more meaningful contact with the individual
• Learning about the past
• Informing your reports, assessments, person centred care plans and how best to support individuals
• Changing the nature of your relationship with an individual whom you may have previously considered difficult
• Helping you understand how the person sees their present situation in relation to their past
• Changing assumptions you have made about a person

What format should you use?

There are varied ways to do reminiscence work. It may be on a one-to-one basis, in pairs or with a group, through casual conversation over a cup of tea or during meal time. Or perhaps on a short walk or sitting in the garden.

Other methods might include: writing a personal history or record of an event, drawing or painting something, use of music, dance or drama. Individuals will have particular knowledge and skills which they can share or teach others. For example, a project may be set up with a local school or youth organisation to learn about history and how people experienced life in the past.

Who should do it?

Reminiscence work can be undertaken by care workers, nursing staff, occupational therapists, librarians, tutors, clinical psychologists, volunteers or family carers. The methods you use will depend on your knowledge, skills and confidence and the support you have in place to deal with any issues that may arise.

Should everyone reminisce?

Most people enjoy reminiscing, but it is not for everyone. Some may resist thinking about the past as a defence against something they had difficulty handling or inability to overcome a loss. Others may have been through a period of life review and not feel any need to retrace their steps. Some may need to break with the past and begin things anew. Respect individual wishes and needs.

*Coleman P (1986), a psychologist, suggests that people have four different types of attitude to reminiscence. These are:

1. People who value memories of the past. Reminders that they have coped with problems in the past enables these individuals to overcome current traumas. Memories are a source of strength to these people and help them to move on.
   
   
2. People who brood on and feel sad about the past. They have feelings of guilt and regrets from past times. Specialist help such as counselling may be necessary to enable them to achieve a sense of forgiveness and acceptance.
   
   
3. People who see no point in reminiscing. These individuals usually live in the ‘here and now’ and enjoy getting on with things they feel are important to them today.
   
   
4. People who avoid reminiscing. These individuals may be having difficulty coming to terms with changes and losses in their lives. Thinking about the past may make them feel sad so they avoid it.

*Coleman P (1986) Aging and Reminiscence Processes. Chichester: Wiley

Hopefully the above has given you some ideas and stimulated your thoughts about doing reminiscence work.

In issue 3 (issue 2 will be written by Danny Walsh), we will discuss what needs to be taken into consideration when planning a reminiscence group. See you then!

Robin Dynes
www.robindynes.co.uk