Photographs are very important for residents with dementia. Photos arouse memory recall, encourage communication and play a huge role in increasing the quality of living for residents with dementia.
River Bend’s Memory Care program incorporates photos into their care routine. Doing this helps caregivers provide a more complete and personalized care routine as they can talk about the resident’s loved ones, which evoke feelings of comfort and security.
Photographs can trigger memories and even if they cannot remember past events, they can evoke emotions including happiness. They can also stimulate cognitive function, which is beneficial in helping them remember the past event.
Living with dementia is very difficult. Residents with dementia can become disoriented and confused, but faces of people who they love can provide feelings of security. Looking at photos of loved ones, pets or familiar places can reduce anxiety and feelings of isolation. According to Hidden Meadows on the Ridge: “Photography stimulates memory function as the photographer interacts with pictures they have taken and remembers the circumstances behind the photo. Looking at photos of special occasions also helps the brain to go back to a specific memory and the emotions attached to it. This act of reminiscence activates the neuron network and slows down degeneration.”
Photos are essential in complementing their non-verbal and verbal communication skills. They can be conversation starters and can help the resident connect on a deeper emotional level with others, even when words are difficult to come by. Photographs can elicit social interaction. The photos could help them engage with residents, giving them something to talk and laugh about.
Photographs are important items to give to patients with dementia as they improve their quality of life. Photographs create happiness, warm feelings and help caregivers provide personalized care to their patients.
