“What an incredible and loving idea Melissa has created for my mom...one that has brought a smile back to her pretty face. It's wonderful to see the joy she gets out of looking at her past and present memories in an organized book and one we can share with her each time we visit.” Cindy
“Thank you so much for this book. It is wonderful to have especially the pictures.” Sue
One gentleman carried his book everywhere and showed it to everyone. His family stated that he did not really meet the Pope and is not a “Plant specialist”, however the information was left in because their father was proud of his accomplishments.
Most people are aware to some extent that they are having difficulties remembering. If we try to correct them when they are this adamant, we can do more damage. At this stage of their life, let them believe.
“I love my new book! I look at it everyday!”
“I love my book, however my daughter did too and kept it.”
“This is so special to have, thank you for doing this for me.”
“It’s nice to have so I can remember my grandkid’s names.”
“You made this book for me? How special. No one has ever made me anything like this before.”
Many people were unable to voice what they thought of the book, however by observation weeks after the completion of the book; it was successful!
A woman with late stage dementia would sit in her rocker for hours reading her book out loud to herself. She was observed laughing especially when reading the captions of the photos. This is what she did daily.
Another lady was unable to recall anything from minute to minute, however she was recording visitors, phone calls and daily activities in her book independently.
Please understand that due to your loved one’s memory impairment, you may have a lot of the same conversations with them, but that is okay. You are keeping a connection with them.
A woman I developed a memory book for had late stage dementia. She was unable to carry on a conversation and did always answer simple questions. The daughter provided the necessary information and photographs needed to complete the book. When the book was completed, she was educated on how to use the book with her mother. Unfortunately, her mother passed away a few months after the completion of the book. This was her daughter’s comments to me.