23rd Jan 2024
Each week at Bridgewater Day Care we hold different Reminiscence Sessions, themed around different aspects of our clients’ pasts, whether that be their childhood, family and relationships, or hobbies and interests in later life.
Reminiscence Therapy is designed to evoke memories and fond experiences from the past, helping to improve clients’ mental stimulation and all round well-being.
This therapeutic method, based upon the recalling of past experiences, has proven to be an enriching activity for individuals, encouraging a sense of identity and promoting mental well-being.
It can involve the use of various props, music, film, or discussion around a particular topic to help our clients relive those memories, or be reminded of times that meant something to them.
At Bridgewater Day Care we focus on a number of key topics which our clients enjoy reminiscing about, including:
Doll therapy sessions
These sessions help to tap into the nurturing instincts that we have throughout our lives. They help our clients journey back to the days of nurturing for their own loved ones, triggering memories of early parenthood, and creating that warm, fuzzy feeling of caring.
Music, singing and dancing
At Bridgewater Day Care we love a good singsong to start the day. Music has a remarkable ability to rewind time, evoking emotions and memories of past experiences and feelings.
We integrate music, singing, and dancing into our Reminiscence Therapy sessions, creating a playful and joyful atmosphere for our clients. Whether it’s a familiar tune from childhood or a cherished dance, these activities stimulate the mind and promote social interaction with clients and staff alike.
If our clients prefer a quieter, more peaceful environment, we have a quiet space to listen to music either individually or as a small group.
Games and puzzles from childhood
Rediscovering the simple pleasures of childhood through games and puzzles is a key aspect of our reminiscence sessions. Engaging in activities such as jigsaw puzzles or traditional board games transports our clients back to fond moments with family and friends. These nostalgic games become more than pastimes; they become channels for connection and mental stimulation.
Discussions of film and television from childhood
Along with physical activities, we also use familiar discussion topics to sit around our comfortable lounge area and have a good old chit-chat! A topic that always brings everyone together is film and television, especially discussing favourite tv shows from younger years.
The big screen holds a treasury of memories for our clients. Reminiscence Therapy at Bridgewater Day Care incorporates discussions of films and TV from participants’ childhoods. This shared interest serves as a catalyst for storytelling, with clients reminiscing about iconic moments and characters from their favourite things to watch.
Photographs from school days and childhood
A picture really is worth a thousand words. At Bridgewater, photographs become a means for time travel, taking our clients right back to that era or that moment.
Reminiscence Therapy through photographs involves sharing and discussing photographs from school days, childhood, events or event periods of time throughout their past, sparking vivid recollections and bridging the gap between past and present.
Food and smells – likes and dislikes over the years
It’s amazing how much a smell or taste can take you right back to when you first experienced it, or transport you back to a memory that is associated with that sensation.
Our Reminiscence Therapy through taste and smell incorporates discussions about food and smells—likes and dislikes over the years. Exploring culinary preferences from different life stages not only engages the senses but also provides a platform for clients to bond over shared tastes and culinary memories!
Last week we held a Doll Therapy Session, which our clients loved. It’s great to see the smiles on our clients faces when we discuss fond memories from the past.
To find out more about the services we provide at Bridgewater Day Care, please have a look at our page here: https://www.bridgewaterdaycare.co.uk/services/activities/
Or if you would like to enquire about joining the Day Centre, or to request a FREE taster session (!) please get in touch with Day Care Manager, Lisa, who would be happy to help 😊
📞 01942 723 115