Using Audio and Video with PwD

Using Audio and Video

The importance of heritage sites increases as we get older, as a place to relax, recover and engage with the environment around us. In comparison to other visitor attractions, PwD also view heritage sites as ‘safe’ and familiar spaces. Research highlights PwD enjoy visiting heritage sites and this also includes taking photos and filming at heritage sites. In addition We know the power recorded sound has to transport listeners to specific time and place. The popularity of YouTube has made it easy to locate a vast amount of historic audio-visual content, but not everything is on YouTube or easily accessible through Googling. The Internet Archive is a vast collection of text, audio and visual material and software, which can make searches overwhelming.

Why is it useful?

For PwD and their carers, historic spaces, collections and stories can prompt and stimulate discussion and connection, encourage outdoor exploration, and offer a vital connection to the world around them, with day trips recognised as one of the most likely and regular activities for people living with the condition and their carers.

In comparison to other visitor attractions, PwD also view heritage sites as ‘safe’ and familiar spaces. Heritage (including visiting sites and participating in outdoors projects) has also been found to be one of the top activities of choice for those impacted by dementia, in surveys and focus groups carried out by Alzheimer’s Society.

Activities:

1. Filming at Heritage Sites (for those with Dementia)

2. Where to find Historical Audio and Video Material

2. Where to find Historical Audio and Video Material

Why is it useful?

Audio and video recordings are a fantastic way of allowing PwD to reminisce about their life history and to allow them to recall sounds from their past – something that is so important in dementia care.

Dementia affects memory, and in particular, short-term or ‘working’ memory. In the later stages of dementia, the memory can be wiped every 10 seconds, yet memories from earlier years (typically ages 14-40) may remain intact.

Triggering intact memories and stimulating conversations about them can improve the relationship between PwD and their families and carers, which in turn can improve the level of care they receive and their quality of life.

Improvements in cognition and mood of those with dementia
Reductions in the strain experienced by care-givers and relatives
Improvements in functional ability of dementia participants
Reductions in the symptoms of depression
Empowerment
Raised self-esteem
Improved communication
Stimulation and fun
Enhanced mood.

What will we gain

Firstly, we learned that using archive material to trigger memories and reminiscences really does work. During the sessions many memories may be triggered, sparking great reminiscences and conversations, and seemingly enhancing the relationships between PwD, others in the groups and their carers. It was also notable that a large number of people said that they remembered more about their past than they thought they would.

Secondly, we learned that the online, tablet based approach and the interaction design we used seems to work well for PwD. However, several improvements were suggested, which are outlined in more detail later in this blog.

Thirdly, we learned that reminiscence can be very enjoyable, engaging and, quite simply, fun. During most of the testing sessions, which were supposed to last around 20 minutes, I had to ask the groups to return the tablets after an hour, as they were so engaged with RemArc, and having so many great reminiscences!

ACTIVITY

Download the activity PDF:

Where to find historical audio and video material.pdf

You are to arrange a Memory cinema that will help the PwD. Memory cinema is a project by the Danish Film Institute that offers historical films as part of socilaising activities in caring PwD

The Memory Cinema concept has proved effective at evoking memories, as moving images of familiar places, for instance, as well as familiar music, can jog the memory. In this way, films can perpetuate the past for those whose memory is failing and serve as the basis for conversation between them and their relatives.

Here are several other places to look for archival audio clips:

BBC Archives
National Archives
welcome to filmarchives online — filmarchives online (filmarchives-online.eu)
European archives release vintage films online - CNET

What will we need?

a list of sites, BBC archives, Pathe news, YouTube, etc.
Free European movies & tv series online / English subtitles | The Vore

Points for Reflection

The main differences between our regular and dementia friendly screenings are:

The type of film is tailored to the audience, and reflects their feedback
No adverts, trailers or commercial idents
The lights are left on low and the sound levels reduced
Screenings are relaxed, with the person/group with dementia are encouraged to sing, dance or talk during the film
Additional wheelchair spaces are made available
A 15 minute interval provides a break – and time for an ice cream!
Keepsake postcards and themed mementos are provided at each film to remind attendees e.g memorabilia in a ‘memory box’ is available to evoke bygone cinema visits

Other Resources

Where can I find tape of …? Sources for archival audio | NPR Training

BBC RemArc - how our archives can help people with dementia - BBC R&D

BBC Taster - RemArc

Video: Radio Me – the next generation of radio?

3. Making a Digital Memory Book Using Audio and Video

3. Making a Digital Memory Book Using Audio and Video

What will we gain

A digital memory book may help a PwD reconnect with the people around them. It also has other positive effects on the caregiver, including:

increased motivation to deliver care and interactively communicate
improved mood, reduced burden, and behavior problems
a better view of the value of life
improved relationships among care staff and people with dementia

A digital memory book can help preserve the memories of a PwD and promote communication with loved ones even as the disease progresses.

ACTIVITY

Download the activity PDF:

Making a Digital Memory book using audio and video.pdf

Make a digital memory book that captures various aspects of the PwD.

What will we need?

How do you get started? You don’t need any fancy tools or equipment. You don’t even need to be particularly tech-savvy. All you need is some free time and memories you’d like to capture.

Step 1: Collect Your Memories

The first step is to start collecting your memories. These don’t have to be just photographs, though that’s usually the most common thing to include. Other ideas for things to gather are:

Step 2: Choose the Right Tool

There are a lot of free and paid resources for creating your digital memory book. Essentially any smartphone will be sufficient for you to complete your digital memory book.

Step 3: Choose the Right Photos

While it’s tempting to load up all your photos into your project, try to limit how many you choose. Remember, you’re telling a story. You’ll only want to include your best photos.

Step 4: Choose a Theme

When it’s time to make your book, try to choose a theme. This is a good way to keep to a single design throughout your photo book. While this might evolve over time, sticking to a single theme ties all your images and memories together. Here are some common theme ideas that might be a good fit: Wedding, Family vacation, Holiday/seasonal, Sports, Colors/patterns

Step 5: Include Text or Voice note

Just because you’re creating a photo memory book doesn’t mean you can’t include text or voice notes. This is a great way to help tell your story and secure your memory. While a picture is worth a thousand words, your text or voiceover helps bring everything together. It could spark a memory about something you forgot, and it helps fill in the blanks that photos can’t share.

Points for Reflection

More and more people are turning to technology to share their memories and what matters most to them. While social media is a great tool for expressing yourself, sometimes you need to create a memoir-type photo album to tell the full story.

While it’s hard to replace the feeling of a physical book, a digital memory album has undeniable perks. Not only will it last forever, but you can always update it through life’s many changes.

Resources

Memory book for people with dementia. How to make a memory book.

3 Ways to Make a Memory Book - wikiHow

Video: Digital Memory Book | Digital Project Life, memory keeper, scrapbook

EDUCATOR NOTES

EDUCATOR NOTES

Podcasts are on the rise. As well as engaging audiences who cannot physically visit a site, they can be a great way to continue delivering a project.

The video and audio session/intervention should be conducted one on one with the PwD and a family member or caretaker. Group sessions may confuse or disorient the PwD.

Several experts suggest creating personalised videos using photos from the early years of a PwD's life and using other family recorded videos of important moments in a person's life as a means of maintaining their identity while allowing families to help their loved ones.

The recommended duration of a video and audio intervention should be approximately half an hour (5-min introduction, followed by a 20-min reminiscence and a 5-min wrap-up) to maintain attention, and interest and not confuse or fatigue the PwD.

Research has shown that PwD, even at an advanced stage, although they enjoy watching TV and it is an important part of their daily life, tend to show more interest in personalised/tailor-made videos, and audiovisual material than TV shows or movies.

Carers should be familiar with both the PwD and their life history and interests (place of birth, where they lived, family, jobs, major life events, preferred music, favourite hobbies, and habits) in order to be able to support a session using personalised video and audio material. Professional caregivers can be informed about the important facts and details of a PwD life by their family and loved ones. If the family is no longer around, involved, or willing to participate for whatever reason, the intervention is impossible because the caregivers are not able to find the appropriate audiovisual material and discuss an event in the patient's life.

The session with video and audio material can later be combined with an individual storytelling session or a group session if the individual's situation allows it.

Prior to the video and audio material session the PwD should be informed and consented to, and it is advisable to have a short preparatory discussion between the caretaker or family member and the PwD about what they are going to do using the audio and video material.

Subjects, photographs, music, videos etc. that are able to create positive feelings and reactions in the PwD should be chosen as well as material that is of interest to them and is part of their past experiences (e.g. personal achievements). It is positive to use videos and photos from their life that highlight their journey and achievements.

People supporting PwD in the session/intervention with audio and visual material should be able to manage the PwD's emotions, reduce their stress, calm them down, reassure them and create a safe environment for them in case of negative emotions, anxiety, disorientation, and confusion arise.

GLAM PROFESSIONALS NOTES

CARERS NOTES