These books have an advantage over many other resources for people with dementia as they are not age specific. Rather they are based on individual interests. Most people like to reminisce but with these books the person with dementia is in control of what they want to talk about and they are not guided by a topic which has been chosen for them eg. 1940's. Inevitably the person with dementia will reminisce but it will be with a subject they choose to reminisce about. The person with dementia is back in control, which is made easier with these books because the images and text have been chosen after thorough research and testing.
Pictures to Share books improve communication and shared time together.
Having to try and cope with the many problems that dementia brings can
be overwhelming for the person affected. It falls to family members to try and
help in whatever ways they can, and sometimes the difficulties of finding
suitable support seem insurmountable.
For those with a family member in the mid to late stages of dementia,
the problem of maintaining meaningful communication can be one of the biggest
challenges they face.
Many family members find the Pictures to Share books prove to be a great help in prompting a range of different conversations. They can also provide those with dementia living at home or in care with an enjoyable way to pass the time and an effective way of interacting with different carers and family members.
I bought the books for my father who has dementia. Even though we have only had the books for a few days, they have already proved their worth!
My mother has found that the carers enjoy using them, and they really help the respite volunteers to break the ice. My father enjoys the pictures very much - we all do!
I bought the books after reading the article in The Guardian, and am so glad I did.
Daughter of Gentleman with dementia