Memory boxes can be a great tool for assisting memory care patients in keeping their long term memory. Depending on the size of these boxes, they may contain photos, mementos, and other objects that represent happy memories with family, old friends, hobbies and other interests.
While these may be provided assisted living facilities, memory boxes made by family members are more personalized and, therefore, more meaningful. The process of creating the box itself and adding to the collection itself is an activity the entire family can enjoy.
Here are some tips in creating a personalized memory box for your loved one:
Choosing the box. Choosing the box is the first and most crucial part of making a memory box. Size and weight are the primary considerations in choosing a container for your loved one’s precious mementos. Knowing where your loved one will store the box as well as whether he or she plans to bring it while travelling or not will help you determine the size and weight of the box you need.
In addition, make sure that the box is weatherproof and rodent proof, if your loved one plans to stash it away in the attic or underneath the bed.
Decorating the box. Some say it matters while others say it is what’s inside that counts. But if you’re planning on giving the memory box as a going away gift when he or she moves to an assisted living facility, it may be better to put a little effort in making the box look appealing. Your senior loved one will surely appreciate the fact that you spent a lot of time working on giving him or her a personalized memory box.
Deciding what you want to put in the box. Putting together the collection is the most fun part in making a memory box. The entire family including the live-in caregiver who has been with your elderly loved one for a long time can contribute to the collection. Mementos can range from little keepsakes like tickets to a movie to larger items like baseball gloves.
Bring out the photos. Wedding pictures, old school photos, and even cutout photos from a newspaper are memories frozen in time, so they should be the centerpiece of your memory box. Arrange them in a photo album, or make a collage out of selected photographs and newspaper clippings.
Sort, reduce, and organize. Before you put everything in the box, it’s best to take time to weed out certain items that may be too fiddly for an elderly with dexterity problems or may bring out sad memories.
Once you have sorted out your collection, you can start organizing the items by combining like items and placing the large items first in the box. Installing panels can help you organize the collection easier.
Whether it’s a gift or memory care aide, memory boxes are a great way to show your elderly loved ones how much you love them and treasure the memories you have with them.
While these may be provided assisted living facilities, memory boxes made by family members are more personalized and, therefore, more meaningful. The process of creating the box itself and adding to the collection itself is an activity the entire family can enjoy.
Here are some tips in creating a personalized memory box for your loved one:
Choosing the box. Choosing the box is the first and most crucial part of making a memory box. Size and weight are the primary considerations in choosing a container for your loved one’s precious mementos. Knowing where your loved one will store the box as well as whether he or she plans to bring it while travelling or not will help you determine the size and weight of the box you need.
In addition, make sure that the box is weatherproof and rodent proof, if your loved one plans to stash it away in the attic or underneath the bed.
Decorating the box. Some say it matters while others say it is what’s inside that counts. But if you’re planning on giving the memory box as a going away gift when he or she moves to an assisted living facility, it may be better to put a little effort in making the box look appealing. Your senior loved one will surely appreciate the fact that you spent a lot of time working on giving him or her a personalized memory box.
Deciding what you want to put in the box. Putting together the collection is the most fun part in making a memory box. The entire family including the live-in caregiver who has been with your elderly loved one for a long time can contribute to the collection. Mementos can range from little keepsakes like tickets to a movie to larger items like baseball gloves.
Bring out the photos. Wedding pictures, old school photos, and even cutout photos from a newspaper are memories frozen in time, so they should be the centerpiece of your memory box. Arrange them in a photo album, or make a collage out of selected photographs and newspaper clippings.
Sort, reduce, and organize. Before you put everything in the box, it’s best to take time to weed out certain items that may be too fiddly for an elderly with dexterity problems or may bring out sad memories.
Once you have sorted out your collection, you can start organizing the items by combining like items and placing the large items first in the box. Installing panels can help you organize the collection easier.
Whether it’s a gift or memory care aide, memory boxes are a great way to show your elderly loved ones how much you love them and treasure the memories you have with them.
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