1. dement ia.co.uk http://www.dementia.co.uk/care/what-is-a-memory-box/
Simple to make and great for saving memories for
the future
John September 5, 2013
What is a Memory Box?
A memory box is a time capsule that connects an
individual or group of people with the past through
the items that the box contains.
There are many reasons why you may want to make up a
memory box, maybe to help preserve your own f amilies
memories, to educate children or maybe, as we are going to
do today, f or somebody with dementia to help stimulate
their memory.
They are ideal f or use in multitude of ways and you can
make memory boxes using almost any object that you can
get your hands on that reminds you or connects you or
somebody else with the past.
They are really simple to make and can be a great f un way
f or you or the individual or group to reminisce over a past
event or a particular time in history.
Making memory boxes for somebody with dementia
There are many benef its to creating a memory box f or a person with dementia. They help with bringing back
memories and are great f or helping with communication.
Try to encourage the person to talk about the objects in the box. What memories does the person have, try
to ask questions about their connection with the item and allow them time to think and talk about what
connects them to the time or event.
In most cases a person suf f ering f rom a memory loss disease will lose their short term memory but retain
their long term memories. This is why using a memory box can help bring back happy memories and events
f rom their past.
This can help to stimulate their long term memory and also help with communication between you and the
person.
If you are making a memory box for a group of people, maybe for use in a daycare or help group, try to use
general items that all the group can relate to rather than tailoring to an individual.
What goes in a memory box
Anything can be used but bef ore you start to think of items you could use, it is well worth considering if
you are making it f or a particular timeline in the past or if you are making a general memory box of the
persons past.
You may want to tailor the items to a particular time in the persons lif e, maybe the 60′s, 70′s, the persons
childhood, their f amily, their work, their holidays or even their vehicles they used to drive.
If you are making a general collection of the persons past history then try to include many objects that you
think they could relate to.
2. A group memory box, ideal for daycentres or carehomes,
Think about the average age of the group bef ore adding the items. Will most of the group have a
reclection of the items.
Try not to tailor the items to any one individual
Use photos showing the trends in clothing, old vehicles, sporting events, historical events such as
royal weddings.
Sweet wrappers, old f ood tin labels and postcards are ideal.
Old money such as notes or coins
A memory box tailored to an individual
Include photos of when they were younger, also photos of f riends and other relatives. Try not to
include any photo that could be upsetting especially if of a loved one that has passed away, ie. wif e
or husband
Something that reminds them of the work they used to do, maybe a tape measure f or a builder or
joiner or maybe a
Old tickets f rom places they visited
Small items the person may have collected f rom holidays or places they visited
Books they like
Sporting memorabilia
If you are making a memory box for use in a day centre or carehome you can pick up many cheap items to
use from charity shops.
What you will need to make a memory box
Its really simple to make. The f irst consideration is to think about how you are going to contain the items.
In other words what kind of “box” are you going to store the items in.
You could use something as simple as an old shoe box, and old sewing box, a sturdy cardboard box or
even an old suitcase.
The box should be sturdy enough to contain the objects and remember if you are using a box made f rom
card or paper then it should be stored away f rom somewhere that is damp.
You could put in any object that will f it comf ortubly in the box or container you are using to contain the
items. Photos, letters, toys are all good examples of what you could use but try to avoid using precious
items or heavy objects.
Use labels to help with identification
It can also be a good idea to label the items. Maybe a note accompanying each item or a sticky label giving
times and dates the object was used, dates a photo was taken, peoples names in the photo.
Labelling items and objects can help greatly if a care worker or other f amily members such as grandchildren
use the memory box with the person with dementia, as they may not be as f amiliar with the items as the
person who made the box is, especially if it contains personal memories of the person.
How to use
3. A memory box is designed to be used to help people remember the past. It can be used at anytime and
almost anywhere. It can be used when a person may f eel agitated or restless to help distract them f rom
other worries, or used to aid with communication. Talk about the items and what memories the objects have
f or them.
Try to keep a memory box close by. Idealy situated in a place that is easily accessible to the individual or
group.
If you are using the memory box in a group of people you could take out one item at a time and go around
the group asking them individually of a memory they have with the item, how the item was used or if they
owned one.
Let us know your thoughts below if you have any hints and tips on making a great memory box