The Lady-Links know how to “link” our crafts to conversations that promote memories. This is an enjoyable way to celebrate holidays such as the Fourth of July with our dear friends, those ladies in our community in various stages of cognitive decline. Linking crafts to memories results in “happy talk” and, in this case, we linked to memories of ways we celebrate America’s birthday.
To prompt Fourth of July memories while we’re making the crafts with our dear friends, we’ve found that four categories of questions always produce results: Fireworks, Fun, Food and Fashions.
We like to use questions in a “gentle conversational” way that would inspire a memory while we are doing our crafts. We avoid anything that would put a dear friend on the spot or make her feel like she is being “grilled.” The Lady-Links at the visit also engage in answering some of the questions, which can help the dear friend with her memory awareness. Some examples of our questions are listed below. Using them at a visit makes for fun and interesting conversations and shared memories.
1. Fireworks
Where were you when you saw a fireworks display?
Did you ever write your name in the air with sparklers?
Did your family pop firecrackers?
2. Fun
Did you go to a 4th of July parade? Where was it? Did you participate in it?
What music makes you think of the 4th of July?
How did you keep cool on such a hot July day?
What decorations make you think of the 4th of July?
3. Food
What were traditional foods you enjoyed at a Fourth of July celebration?
Would you rather eat a hot dog or a hamburger?
Have you ever made homemade ice cream? Did you use a hand crank or electric motor crank?
What’s your favorite ice cream?
Do you prefer mustard or mayonnaise potato salad?
4. Fashions
What is the best way to dress for the 4th of July?
What colors are a part of the celebration?
What was the best 4th of July costume you’ve seen?
We make the crafts during our visits with our dear friends. When finished, we take our creations to our community’s continuing care facility to share with residents there.
Making crafts with our dear friends results in a trip down Memory Lane when we ask fun questions while we’re working together. Linking crafts and conversations promotes brain stimulation and helps our dear friends feel connected. With each visit we are strengthening the emotional bonds among us, and that brings joy to each dear friend and to us as well. And that, in itself, is a reason to celebrate!
Speak Your Mind