Our Reminiscence DVDs and printed Guides are ideal...
Reminiscence Resources About Life in the UK in the 1940s-60s
Almost all of us has a family member, friend or neighbour who lives with some form of dementia. At times we can find it difficult to find topics to talk about because of the short term memory problems dementia causes. Reminiscing can be very helpful in overcoming these difficulties and is even considered to be therapeutic.
Not being personal "home movies" they are unlikely to stir up unsettling memories but are safe to use as a reminiscence tool.our "Living Memories" reminiscence DVDs contain a variety of archive film clips from the 1950s and '60s, taken from 35mm and 16mm film prints in the collection of Greenpark Productions Ltd (est. 1938). These include documentaries, information films and commercials covering social and industrial history of that era.
When introducing the DVDs in Memory Cafes and care homes we have found that people developing dementia are very interested in looking at the film and engaging in conversation relating to the film clips and are very happy when they relate memories of their own and often one story leads to another and to a lively, enjoyable
reminiscence session for both the people with dementia and their carers.
Our printed Reminiscence Guides provide suggestions for topics to talk about in the context of the clips, as
well as some useful background information about life in the 1950s and 60s
Where carers are from a different generation and/or nationality our archive films can also be useful in giving the carer a glimpse of what life was like for the people they look after. This can help improved communication and foster a better understanding between them.
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"Your Living Memories work using archive film provides new opportunities for engagement and interaction and will help improve an individual's confidence, self-esteem and communication opportunities....."
Programme Lead, Long Term Conditions, NHS Cornwall
You can see more examples of clips from some archive films in the Greenpark Collection by clicking here to visit our Archive Clips page on this website.
