Reminiscence and

Advocacy

Care practices in the UK and Japan

Angelika Welzel-Connolly

Reminiscence – remembering the past to communicate in the present

Advocacy – supporting people to speak up for their rights and wishes.

Dementia Advocacy – as above but more importantly getting to know the person with dementia, learning how they communicate and adapt work practices accordingly.

Reminiscence and advocacy what have they in common?

Being heard Connecting with the person

Reminiscence Advocacy Communication

Reminiscence

• Should encourage self-expression • Stimulate the senses - some people prefer one sense over

another touch, visual, smell, sound, taste • Using a creative approach • Doesn’t need to be an expensive activity • Sharing skills and learning from each other• Can improve quality of life

Reminiscence can take many forms:

• Movement e.g. dance, theatre, walking• Written word e.g. writing poetry, reading aloud• Art and crafts e.g. drawing, painting, knitting • Music e.g. playing, singing, listening • Making Memory boxes, lifestory books• Walk in the garden, park, countryside, cooking,

playing

Kotoen in Tokyo

Five C’s

• Compassion• Choice• Creativity• Communication• Contact

I’ve learnt that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. Maya Angelou

Angelika Welzel-ConnollyDementia Dialgoueinfo@dementiadialogue.co.ukwww.dementiadialogue.co.uk