Exploring the Past: A Practical Guide to Working with the Memories of People with Learning Disabilities - Softcover

Housden, Sarah

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0863889077 ISBN 13: 9780863889073

Publisher: Routledge, 2012

Synopsis

Working from the premise that the lives of people with learning disabilities are of innate value, and that exploring and celebrating people's experiences demonstrates their value in a practical way, this book provides a manual on working with memories in groups and individually. It includes: a clear rationale for and guidance on the benefits of this approach; good practice guidelines for memory work; a chapter on life story work with individuals; a section on working with those with learning disabilities and dementia; ideas for dozens of activities on 15 themes associated with memories of the past, including - the childhood years; food, cooking and shopping; days out and holidays; fashions, clothing and looking good; and, hobbies, interests and work experience.

About this title

About the Author:

Sarah Housden qualified as an Occupational Therapist in 1994 and began to specialise in reminiscence at the end of the 1990s. She currently works as a reminiscence trainer and freelance occupational therapist, and over the past ten years has drawn on her experience in these roles to inspire others through talks, training and publications as well as to explore the uses and benefits of reminiscence for peopleof all ages and abilities. In recent years, her focus has been on the use of creative activities in reminiscence , mixed ability groupwork and intergenerational activities as well as the potential of reminiscence to enhance wellbeing and promote fulfilment in people with dementia, depression or learning disabilities . In 2007 Sarah founded and became the chairperson of a 'living history' organisation which records and celebrates the experiences of local people through reminiscence and oral history. Her forthcoming doctoral thesis explores the role of reminiscence groups as platforms for learning in later life.

Review:

This book was really easy to read, well laid out and interesting. It was easy to dip into and locate information. The examples are easy to follow and could be worked through, although the author does emphasise the need to adapt the themes to meet the needs of the individual or group. It is also clear enough to recommend to families/ carers who may wish to continue memory work with the person outside occupational therapy intervention. This book is a really helpful resource for anyone interested in implementing memory work with people with learning disabilities. It is easy to read, providing a comprehensive overview of components to consider if new to the medium and is equally easy to dip into for more specific advice/refreshing." British Journal of Occupational Therapy

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0863889077
• ISBN 13: 9780863889073
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 176