One of the most important aspect of human life are our memories and emotional connections. Memories define our past which in turn moulds our future.
The larger point of debate is, what happens when our memory gets impaired? Yes, the answer is simple, we lose touch with our present and past memories, develop disorientation and tend to forget our family and friends.
In situations where older people who develop dementia, what is it that we can do to help their quality of life (QoL)? This is where Memory Box comes into picture.
Memory Box is a critical aspect in designing care homes because it helps older people to recognise their own personal spaces like their bedroom door or unit entrance.
A familiar door with cues of past memories helps dementia residents find their own personal spaces and also gives them a sense of ownership, comfort and belongingness.
The main benefits of using the Memory Box for people living with dementia are:
- Works as orientation aid to help an elderly find his/her bedroom independently.
- Helps start a conversation by care staff and family members to engage with the senior citizen.
- Way finding and guide support to help people with dementia to avoid entering someone else’s room.
- Helps to start conversations with other older persons who may have dementia or have similar interests.
- Helps in remembering the good and happy memories which may help in calming down an agitated elderly.
Wall mounted Memory Box at the resident’s entrance door comes in various forms; recessed wall mounted boxes or those with signage and resident’s personal photos.
The items which should form a part of the Memory Box should include things which are important to the elderly and which ignite positive memories.
Since memory recall capacity changes with the passage of time, therefore items that are part of Memory Box will need to be changed every few months.
Basically Memory Box is like a bank locker which is filled with precious memories and emotionally attached items.
Memory Boxes may have a positive impact in the lives of elderly, but then, the big question is, how many care homes in India actually implement such a simple yet impactful design?
