Each DVD contains clips from a number of archive films and the accompanying Reminiscence Guide suggests topics to discuss and questions to stimulate conversation after watching each film clip. The Guides also provide general background facts about life in the decades covered in the DVDs.Each DVD can be used to provide many hours reminiscence. The DVDs and Guide have been trialled with groups of dementa patients and their carers in a Memory Cafes, care homes, community hospitals, housing associations and one to one. They have received a very positive response.
We are now developing and shall soon start trialling an online interactive version of the Living Memories reminiscence resources. They can then be used on iPads, Android tablets and other delivery systems so that reminiscence sessions can be delivered in the community and in hospitals and care homes.
The online version will also offer the option for the uploading of local and/or personal video and audio content which will provide additions memory triggers for the patients.
These reminiscence resources are also ideal for incorporating in the training of nurses and carers who work with older patients, since they can get a better understanding of how different life was in the middle of the 20th century when their patients were growing up.