Reminiscence therapy is relatively new, having been first introduced in 1978 by the Department of Health and Social Security as a project (1). Then in the 1980’s, reminiscence therapy was recognized by mental health institutions and began to be used in group therapy with the intent to help with depression and life reflection for the elderly.
Research conducted in the past fifteen years has focused on the mental health of the elderly afflicted with dementia (2). These psychosocial studies targeted mental health promotion of community-dwelling older adults, as opposed to indicated or selective prevention for a specific disorder. Because there is no cure for dementia or Alzheimer’s, reminiscence therapy seeks to treat and slow down the onset of memory loss individuals experience, and improve their state of mind and quality of life.
Generally, reminiscence therapy is a treatment that uses all the senses — sight, touch, taste, smell and sound — to help individuals with dementia remember events, people and places from their past lives. Typically, conducted in a group setting, the care partners may use photos and objects in various activities to help individuals with recall of memories.
Even more recently, studies have explored the use of photos and videos for personalized reminiscence therapy that have produced positive results (3). A similar study comparing the benefits of personalized versus generic reminiscence materials found that people showed more interest and less distraction while viewing personalized photo-videos (4). These results included increased self-esteem and emotional stability, increased social interaction and an improved mood.
However, these studies were challenged with specific limitations. Each study used generic videos and photos from the internet or other resources that created copyright infringement violations. Other barriers included, how to choose suitable resources for each patient, how to access a patient’s personal photos and videos, and finally, the delivery of those contents to each person.
The PocketBook Memory Player addresses each of those challenges - while maintaining the powerful benefits of personalized reminiscence therapy. The PocketBook Memory Program is designed to allow the family and loved one to select those personal photos and video clips they want to include in the Life Story video. The images are supported by family written captions reinforcing the story behind each image and alleviates potential confusion.
The handheld player is lightweight, durable, simple to operate and very affordable when compared to a smartphone. It is custom designed with the individual’s name and portrait photo. There is room for a personal family message as well.
Your loved one is able to watch their own Life Story whenever they choose, individually, or shared with a family member or caregiver. Family members may also order their own PocketBook Memory Player or have a Life Story video copy on DVD, USB or through Online Hosting.
Here is a recap of the Benefits behind your Pocketbook Memory Video Player
· Uplifts one’s mood
· Relieves Anxiety/Stress
· Promotes social interaction
· Improves Self-Esteem/Affirms the accomplishments of one’s life
· Bonds the family when selecting content (photos, video, captions)
· Reminds family and friends of the real person before the disease
· Emotionally positive with reminders of good/happy events of past
· Creates topics to share with family members/visitors/caregivers
· Ability to reminisce individually without needing a caregiver
· Lessens stress for family members and caregivers
· The Life Story video is a shared connection between individual and family
When we say, “Preserving Memories, Connecting Generation”, we truly believe the PocketBook Memory does exactly that for each individual and their family. The highlights of a wonderful life bring back the memories and achievements while reinforcing the emotional connection that bonds the family for a lifetime.
1. Bornat, J. 1989. “Oral History as a Social Movement: Reminiscence and Older People.” Oral History Society. 17, (2), 16-24.
2. Lin, Yen-Chun; Dai, Yu-Tzu; Hwang, Shiow-Li (1 July 2003). "The Effect of Reminiscence on the Elderly Population: A Systematic Review". Public Health Nursing. 20 (4): 297–306. doi:10.1046/j.1525-1446.2003.20407
3. Chien, Hui-Wen; Liao, Shu-Chuan; Huang, Song-Lin; Aug. 30, 2016. “Selecting Internet Videos and Pictures for Personalized Reminiscence Therapy.”
Yasuda K, Kuwabara K, Kuwahara N, Abe S, Tetsutani N. “Effectiveness of personalised reminiscence photo videos for individuals with dementia.” Neuropsychological Rehabilitation. 2009;19(4):603–619.