We are here to help with Dementia & Alzheimer’s Associations, Adult Day Programs, and people & places supporting those with Dementia & Alzheimer’s.
A team of forward thinkers with a vision for creating nostalgic environments, brightening up rooms and hallways began this project, BRIGHTEN MY FACILITY. The desire to engage and contribute socially remains for seniors who can feel isolated due to dementia. It is beneficial for them to remain engaged with others. Simple games and tasks done in pairs or a group can help to provide this essential requirement to reduce depression.
Our goal was to turn those cold white walls into an environment that triggers memories and positive experiences. Today, most of us are on Facebook and Instragram. We often look back at old photos and other memories shared on Facebook. But if you are a senior, that’s not an easy thing to do Let’s face it, technology is complicated and can be daunting for seniors. We realized that & we wanted to create products that would Awaken A Memory.
Nostalgia is good for you. Happy memories make people more optimistic and less anxious about the future. University of Southampton researchers found that “looking back in time can help maintain feelings of self-worth and contribute to a brighter outlook.” By promoting optimism, nostalgia could help individuals cope with psychological adversity. The study found that remembering times gone by can raise self esteem and heighten optimism.
We focus on designing nostalgic products and creating a positive change.
We want to Awaken A Memory from the past and help seniors to start a conversation and share those lost & forgotten memories.
SENSORY STIMULATION
Even in late-stage dementia, when reasoning and language see a decline, the senses remain. Hearing, sight, taste, touch, and smell can be used to interact and connect with these seniors for their psychological well-being. This can include music for auditory stimulation, aromatherapy to reach their sense of smell, materials to touch and hold for tactile stimulation, colorful and moving objects to capture the eye, and even familiar flavors for the taste buds.
Reminiscence is about triggering memories and telling stories from the past. While memories begin to fade with dementia, long-term memories often remain, meaning that the past is a good place to start. It is important to incorporate old personal photographs, videos, and other memory triggers.
