MemoryBio Overview & Instructions

MemoryBio was designed to provide a structure for connecting with a person who would prefer to reminisce using pictures and objects rather than by just using words. Through reminiscing, we will learn more about a person's life story which will lead to developing individualized Personal Comforts based on new information we gather.

MemoryBio contains 35 themes to be explored. These can be used by care partners (family members, volunteer interviewers, staff members in Life Enrichment, Activities, Nursing, Social Services, Therapy, or others) as they meet with MemoryBio participants on a daily or weekly basis as a structure for visiting. The themes are designed to be enjoyed by everyone participating; it is important to build friendship, connection, and closeness during the process. The structure of MemoryBio makes it possible to repeat the 35 themes over and over again varying your approach or activities each time that theme is explored. Even just one question and one photo could lead to a 15 to 30 minute discussion. It may work well one-on-one OR in group settings. The themes are also designed with the idea of engaging family members, staff (in a community setting), volunteers, and youth in the MemoryBio process.

Types of Questions & Wellness

The autobiographical questions in MemoryBio vary. Some are open-ended questions. Some will result in a "yes" or "no" response. Some offer a choice of answers. These pictures and questions have been carefully chosen to be stimulating and to help the participant remember something from his or her past or present. Reminiscing is also a great way of giving the brain a good workout and it touches all dimensions of wellness—physical, social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, purposeful, and vocational.

Sometimes people may not want to share or it does not appear like they are participating. It is still a good idea to ask the questions anyway. Some themes or topics may prompt a memory to come back. We won't know if we don't try to ask the questions or share something about that idea. Certainly, you can help by sharing your own story or memory! Even if the participant doesn't share, he or she could be thinking of a special time or place and that's okay too. Others may be sharing and the person may just enjoy sitting back to listen in the group.

Using Objects & Ideas

Objects and ideas associated with the themes and questions will give you and the participant the opportunity to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch a memory. Feel free to introduce objects to touch as part of the MemoryBio experience (ex. A tree branch or leaf from outside could be shared when looking at the photo of the treehouse). Although we do not know exactly how the person may or may not connect with the object or the questions, we know that stimulating the person's memories can have a profound impact. Reminiscence has been found to lower depression, increase life satisfaction, and engage people with dementia or cognitive impairment in a very positive way. Therefore, it is important to be reminiscing regularly—this is not just a one-time activity.

As you get to know people using MemoryBio, you may want to jot down some of the conversations with people that have resulted. Next time you use MemoryBio, these topics may come up again and that will be fun for you and them.