Sense of Touch Linked To Memories: Local Families Making Memory Boxes to Help Their Loved Ones Remember

Contact: Jodi Goldberg, LSW

Telephone: 856-582-1311

http://www.homeinstead.com/656

SEWELL, N.J. – November 17, 2014 – Approximately 5.2 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. The disease’s hallmark symptom – issues with memory and cognition – prevents those afflicted from storing new information in the brain. For these millions of men and women, using past experiences is typically the best way for them to make sense of the present, and the best way for families and friends to help their loved ones cope with this heartbreaking disease. That’s why, this November, Home Instead Senior Care® is inviting Gloucester, Salem and Cumberland County families and friends affected by Alzheimer’s disease to do just that by sharing the gift of memory in honor of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

South Jersey residents caring for loved ones impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are invited to create a Memory Box with their loved one – a collection of treasured items that represent past experiences and tell their personal story. This is just one innovative tool to help capture and stimulate the memories of loved ones living with the disease.

Research has shown that talking with people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias about their lives can create positive emotional experiences, reduce stress and provide a better quality of life. Memory Boxes can help to stimulate treasured memories as loved ones get older.

“For those struggling with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia, smell, touch, taste and sound can be a powerful memory trigger,” says Jodi Goldberg, LSW, owner of the Sewell-based Home Instead Senior Care office. “Something as simple as the feel of an old baseball glove, the familiar texture of seashells collected on vacation or childhood photos are the types of items that hold precious memories. A Memory Box containing these meaningful reminders can be a source of pleasure and encouragement for a loved one as they make the journey into old age.”

Here are a few tips on how to construct a Memory Box:

- Select a strong, robust box that is easy to store. A box 12 inches by 9 inches is ideal.

- Each item should relate to memory that can be revisited time and time again. Be aware that some items may open the door to unhappy memories.

- Remember that experiences stored in the brain are not just visual! Photos, diaries, letters and the like may be invaluable reminders.

- Try to include items that can not only be touched but also heard and smelled.

- It is important to label photos and other items clearly. It may be helpful to include a note that explains why certain objects have been included.

The Memory Box is one of the many tools and ideas Home Instead recommends for families caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. Other useful and free tools available through Home Instead include:

- Companion App for real-time on-the-go dementia care advice available for download on Google Play and iTunes

- Live online chats with Alzheimer’s Experts accessed through the website www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com

- Family caregiver Alzheimer’s training workshops available at franchise locations across the United States

- Confidence to Care, the new Dementia Care Guidebook for the Family Caregiver available for purchase through www.Amazon.com

“Until we have a cure, we need to do everything we can to ensure caregivers and their families have the best support possible to help manage this devastating disease,” said Goldberg.

For more information on Home Instead and available Alzheimer’s care resources, visit www.helpforalzheimersfamilies.com or call (856) 582-1311.

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ABOUT HOME INSTEAD SENIOR CARE

Founded in 1994 in Omaha, Nebraska, by Lori and Paul Hogan, the Home Instead Senior Care® network provides personalized care, support and education to help enhance the lives of aging adults and their families. Today, Home Instead is the world’s leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, with more than 1,000 independently owned and operated franchises that are estimated to annually provide more than 50 million hours of care throughout the United States and 16 other countries. Local Home Instead Senior Care offices employ approximately 65,000 CAREGiversSM worldwide who provide basic support services that enable seniors to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as possible. The Home Instead Senior Care network strives to partner with each client and his or her family members to help meet that individual’s needs. Services span the care continuum – from providing companionship and personal care to specialized Alzheimer’s care and hospice support, to offering family caregiver education and support. At Home Instead Senior Care, it’s relationship before task, while striving to provide superior quality service.