How to create a meaningful memory box for someone living with dementia

An effective memory box can be a great way to help a person living with dementia recall positive memories, and can also combat agitation and upset.

When creating a memory box the aim is to help conjure up memories that can get a conversation started and bring smiles to both your faces.

The most effective memory boxes are filled with items of real significance to the person living with dementia. 

To start putting a memory box together think about topics that the person recalls most strongly. These could include a holiday destination, somewhere they used to work or a key family event, such as a wedding or special birthday party.

Collect together keepsakes, familiar objects and images related to these topics and add captions and tags as memory prompts. 

Think about including a range of items, from treasured ornaments to meaningful pieces of clothing, a child’s artwork, certificates, music that can be played or a newspaper clipping.

Different materials, textures, sounds and smells can all inspire memories but avoid anything sharp, heavy or difficult to handle.

The most important thing to remember when creating a memory box is that every item should be personal to the individual, be guided by their interests and strongest, happiest memories.

Rob Martin is Anchor’s Head of Care Quality