Memory Lane: Using Fall Traditions To Spark Memories & Conversations

As the warm days turn cooler and the sun sets a little earlier each day, it's a good time for reflection and enjoying cherished moments with loved ones. This time of the year can be the perfect opportunity for seniors to experience some of the scenes, sounds, and scents the season offers.

Nature can spark fond memories for seniors with dementia, helping them feel a sense of nostalgia while embracing who they are and who they once were. So, if you're looking to help trigger some childhood memories and create new memories with seniors close to you, try some of these fall memory lane techniques:

Reminiscing About Past Events During The Fall

The first idea is to pull out the photo albums and look through past experiences that happened during past fall seasons. Once you have a few photographs, arrange them chronologically and present them to your loved one. This can bring comfort to them and help them remember happy autumn days with their family and friends.

Playing A Fall-Themed Memory Card Game

Create your own deck of cards featuring typical fall elements such as pumpkins, leaves, apples, etc. Each deck of cards must have equal pairs of elements. For example, two leaves, two pumpkins, and two apples. Once you have your deck of cards, turn the cards face down and take turns flipping them over, aiming to find matching pairs. This is a great visual stimulator and helps exercise memory.

Taking A Walk Down Memory Lane

Take advantage of the fresh air and plan a walk down memory lane. Plan a familiar route and choose a day with pleasant weather. Take a walk and try to remember all the details about it—like the colour of the leaves and the feeling of the breeze on your face. When you return home, record what you remember from your walk and share it with a friend or family member.

Playing The Fall Scent Challenge

This is quite a fun game that can be tremendously beneficial. Fill containers with scents associated with fall, such as cinnamon or apples, etc. When you're ready, close your eyes and try to identify each scent. This challenge can spark conversation and bring up cherished memories; odour provokes deep memories.

Gardening During Fall

Gardening has been known to benefit mental and physical health. It can be a great way to live in the present moment while creating meaningful change in an organic and natural space. Spend time planting fall bulbs and/or harvesting the fruits and vegetables from summer. Invite other people over to create meaningful fall traditions together—create good memories while talking about treasured ones that once were.

Conclusion

Celebrating the beauty of the vibrant upcoming season for seniors is paramount. It can inspire seniors with dementia and help them relive their stories with laughter, fun, and pride. If you'd like to embrace these memory-lane strategies, speak to Right at Home's caregivers, who provide caring and professional dementia home care in Winnipeg.

Why Right at Home?

• Over 20 years of experience. Right at Home has been providing award winning customized senior care and home care for over 20 years.
• YOUR Caregivers are all part of YOUR Care Team. This means that there is no revolving door of Personal Support Workers and Nurses. With the help of your Care Planner, you choose and get to know them. This leads to an level of care for your loved one that is unsurpassed in our industry.
• Working with government support. Your Care Planner will work to help you find the government supports you are eligible for (if you would like them) and then work to find a solution for the care needs that go above what government and family can do. We will also work around the government care plan so that we are enhancing it.

We help in home, wherever home is to you.

Our Caregivers are always out in the community visiting homes, Retirement Residences, Long Term Care (LTC), hospices and hospitals.