Focusing on Life Story helps carers to connect with the challenges of dementia

Life Story Network is an organisation that encourages care services to capture each client’s past in order to make a positive impact upon a diagnosis of dementia.

A recent HealthEXPO event, held at ExCel London on the 13 & 14 March, enabled the Network to present a dramatic performance of a real-life story based on a couple diagnosed with dementia.

The drama ‘Married – Likes Bananas’, struck a chord with visitors to the event’s Dementia Zone, who were able to understand more about the behavioural impacts and negative outcomes that can result from not connecting with a client’s life story.

One delegate commented: “I am going back home straightaway to help my Mum-in-Law complete her life story.”

Chief executive Anna Gaughan commented on how the drama had been successful in making a connection, saying: “The Life Story Network was able to tell its own story powerfully at HealthEXPO not only through ‘Married – Likes Bananas’ but also with the fruitful and in-depth interaction with a range of commissioners and providers of NHS, social care and housing providers.”

Ms Gaughan also praised the Department of Health for making such a focus on dementia possible, commenting: “LSN congratulates the Department of Health in the investment dedicated to the Dementia Village at the EXPO and looks forward to working in partnership to help drive the revolution in dementia care based on recognition of the individual and their life story.”

Written to show the power of creating a life story for people with dementia, as well as the benefit of offering guidance for family and carers, here is a short excerpt from the play, based on the true story of a man named Joe who has dementia:

“You recognised all the places in my photographs, didn’t you,” says Joe to Claire the Day Services Manager as they look through Joe’s life story book, connecting through holiday snaps and work locations. “I really connected with Joe through his photos and memories,” says Claire, “and importantly life story work gives all staff here at the day centre a real sense of purpose and meaning.”

Cognitive neuroscientist and ageing specialist Dr Lynda Shaw believes that effective care can help even individuals with advanced dementia get significant enjoyment from life.

Dr Shaw comments: “It is a common misconception that once dementia has been diagnosed and begins to affect a person’s life, there is little that can be done to help the person. Whilst dementia can of course at times be frightening, confusing and upsetting for both the sufferer and their carers, many of those with even advanced dementia can still take great enjoyment from life, and it is a huge mistake to think otherwise.

“As dementia worsens this will obviously mean a lot of changes in life, and what the sufferer can cope with will undoubtedly change over time. Try varying activities to find what works and what doesn’t, and tailor things to an appropriate level of ability so the person doesn’t get frustrated. Even simple pleasures such as a walk in the park or listening to music can help increase the quality of life of a person with dementia, so stay flexible in your planning and be creative in thinking of activities the person will enjoy. Most importantly, always focus on the positives.”

She continues: “When dealing with severe dementia, it’s often easy to focus on the illness and lose sight of the individual. Whenever you see the person with dementia treat them with respect and dignity to help them feel confident and valued, however advanced their dementia may be. Equally, it is important to communicate in a clear and reassuring way to help the dementia sufferer feel at ease. Even if the person doesn’t understand what you’re saying they may pick up on non-verbal communication, so ensure your tone is warm and that your body language is open and friendly to avoid unintentionally coming across as stressed or irritated.”

Anchor are one care provider looking to embrace the benefits of life story, having recently held an exhibition of memories and photographs of the 1940s and 50s at Hadrian Lodge in South Shields.

Resident Olive Symington spoke of her enjoyment of this initiative and how it reminded her of the community she grew up in, saying: “It fetches back memories that should be passed on to our families. It keeps our brainboxes going and I enjoy it very much, we really look forward to it each week.

“I know South Shields and I want to remember how it used to be, it is nice to be reminded of all the old streets.”

In ‘Married – Likes Bananas’, based on Joe’s Story, Joe is played by Michael Chapman, with carer Claire played by Claire Kelly, co-presented by the Life Story Network and AFTA Thought.