MemoryBio Overview
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 so they can 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. The
themes are also designed with the idea of engaging family members, staff (in a
community setting), volunteers, and youth in the MemoryBio process.
The autobiographical questions found on the pages of the MemoryBio Photo Album
above the pictures 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 have an answer or it does not appear like they are
participating at all. It is still a good idea to ask the questions anyway as it
is unclear what theme or topic 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. Even if the participant doesn’t share, he or
she could be thinking of a special time or place and that’s okay too.
Using Objects & Ideas
Objects and ideas associated with the themes and questions (pages 11-16) will
give you and the participant the opportunity to see, hear, smell, taste, and
touch a memory. 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.
Although reminiscing is something that many people do and it could be a regular
activity, MemoryBio is special because the goal is to actually
record what the participant answers
when reminiscing. The themes have been designed to appeal to people of all
different ages and backgrounds. In addition, it is our hope that we may gain new
insight into childhood or adulthood experiences which can lead to the
development of Personal Comforts that are specific to that person. For example,
below is Kate’s story and Bill’s story.
Kate’s Story
Kate grew up in Ohio. She always enjoyed the smell of her mother’s bread baking
and she has attended church regularly. Her favorite hymn is Amazing Grace. When
she was a little girl, she and her siblings would gather buckeye nuts from
trees. Her mother always had the children help with the dusting and other
cleaning around the house. They would listen to Ohio State football games on the
radio. She always enjoyed playing Yahtzee. She loved to dance to Big Band music
during World War II. She collected dolls from all over the world.