How Life Story Work could help you
Dementia affects people in different ways, depending on the type of dementia. Whether it’s Alzheimer’s, dementia with Lewy bodies or vascular dementia, the impact can be physical, emotional and psychological, affecting the practicalities of everyday life for both the person living with the condition, and their family.
Although our carers are fully-trained in dementia care, they’re constantly learning and growing their expertise in the area. This is hugely beneficial as it’s transferable from customer to customer, but each and every case is very different.
We all have a story, a past life, an array of experiences, but for those living with dementia, they’re difficult to recall and this can be hugely traumatic for the individual. That’s where Life Story work comes into place. Life Story work typically involves helping people make a record of some aspects of their life, most often in a book or template and it’s designed to trigger memories of happiness and bring joy.
What is a Life Story Book?
Designed to capture your loved one’s memories, the Life Story Book is used as a reminiscence tool to support those living with dementia.
Due to memory loss, people with dementia often need help communicating the different aspects of their identity – like background, hobbies, who and what is important to them.
A Life Story Book is a collaborative activity in which the person living with dementia is supported by carers and family members to gather and review their past life events and photos, much like building a personal biography. It’s designed to create a beautiful picture book which will trigger happy memories of their past life, husband, wife, mother, children, pets, trips to the beach and more.
What are your memories from school? What types of music do you like listening to?
These are just two of the questions from Dementia UK’s Life Story Book template, designed by health professionals with carers and families in mind.
The benefits of creating a Life Story Book
By completing a Life Story Book, you’ll gain a better understanding of the person you support, meaning you can deliver person-centred care, always.
It can also help people with dementia share their stories, which is especially useful when they are having difficulty recalling.
Life Story work also encourages better communication and an understanding of the needs and wishes of those we support who live with dementia every day, alongside developing closer relationships with family carers.
Download your Life Story Book template
Click here to download your free copy of the Life Story Book. Developed by DementiaUK, the Life Story Book enables those sharing similar situations to share their stories and enhance their sense of identity.
Page reviewed by Deanna Lane, Senior Clinical Lead on March 24, 2022