‘Memory books’ can help older loved ones recall their past
Here’s how to make one.
by Melissa Rayworth
Family photo albums can be a great help as you try to jog an elderly friend or relative’s memories.
But what if you took the photo book idea one step further, and created a “memory book” that combines personal photos with brief family stories and historical information?
These can be used to help people struggling with memory loss, and give younger family members a window into older relatives’ lives.
Memory books are also useful in helping older people introduce themselves to caregivers and provide topics for conversation, says Ann Norwich, director of the adult gerontology nurse practitioner program at York College of Pennsylvania.
By illustrating and explaining details from the person’s past, Norwich says, the books cue caregivers and other visitors to ask better questions. That can prolong positive conversation.
___
WHERE TO START
You can make a memory book by hand with scrapbooking supplies, but creating one online might be more practical: It can be reprinted if it’s misplaced or damaged, and you can make copies for other family members.
Many websites, including Shutterfly.com and Blurb.com, offer templates for photo books. Choose one that offers page layouts with plenty of space for text.
The cost will vary depending on the length of the book, and the quality of the cover and paper.
Next steps?
Choosing a specific subject: It’s helpful to narrow down your project to one subject — for instance, one decade in your relative’s life, or the various cities where they’ve lived.
Going beyond photos: What else can you include?
Laying it all out: A few strategic touches can elevate your creation.
Read the full story and get advice on all of these steps here.
Melissa Rayworth is a journalist who serves as the managing director of Breadcrumbs, a personal storytelling consultancy that helps people discover, tell and preserve the stories of their own lives.
