Investigating the Use of Reminiscence Therapy

Investigating the Use of Reminiscence Therapy

Investigate the use of Reminiscence Therapy for both elderly clients,

and those suffering brain injury, and link to the theory of the

development of memory. Evaluate how this theoretical knowledge

increases the effectiveness of therapy and interventions in care.

Reminiscence Therapy is a technique that is used to encourage clients

to use their memory; they are supported to remember things about their

life and to share them with the group or therapist if they feel

comfortable. It is worth noting that Reminiscence Therapy is not

always done in groups, it can be individual work carried out one on

one basis with the client.

There are a few reasons as to why a therapist might reminisce with a

client on a one to one basis and these may be that the client is so

depressed they may not want to socialise with other people or they

have a low self-esteem so can not deal with a room full of strangers.

They may need extra attention because they are finding things

difficult or it could just be a particularly sensitive subject.

The normal way in which Reminiscence Therapy is carried out is that

the therapist would meet with the clients at a set time and date each

week, so that they feel they have continuity and there is time to

build up trust and confidence in the group or therapist. The therapist

would bring in things that could be used as retrieval cues such as

memorabilia, wartime things, recipes, clothes, etc. If the therapist

cannot bring the actual item then photos often are a good replacement,

this helps the client to remember more about that time. The session is

usually based around a pa...

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...being a good thing. In my opinion there are many benefits for

taking part in or leading a Reminiscence therapy group and it appears

to have little or no negative effects. It is important to remember

that just taking half an hour out of your day to focus completely on

the clients, if done correctly, can benefit everyone.

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Bibliography

NHS Direct (http://www.besttreatments.co.uk/btuk/conditions/10137.html)

Florence Soltys (http://research.unc.edu/oic/gazette/fyi1200.htm)

Class Handout on Memory

Evaluating the Impact of Reminiscence Therapy on the Quality of Life

in Elderly

People (http://www.regard.ac.uk/research_findings/L480254031/summary.pdf)

http://www.tbiguide.com/howbrainhurt.html