The importance of life story work is a massive tool that should be used for each resident you work with as an AC.
It is of such importance that it allows you to get to know and understand each person you work with and also it is a wonderful reminiscence tool for the person whose life story book it is, it also testament to the legacy of the life who it represents and a wonderful gift to the family when the person passes on.
As usual it is something AC's are expected to know about and produce like a rabbit out of a magician hat.
Often AC's have no training of knowledge of this, hence this is why I write these blogs to inform you and help my fellow AC's.
Where to Begin
A life story book is a homemade book complied to capture memories and stories about a person's life.
It is a wonderful way to spend time with a person and compile all their stories together, a valuable tool for fellow care workers who work with the person's whose book it is and even something family and friends can add to and get involved in.
There is no standard format of how to compile it , it should be visibly attractive, filled with pictures and a paragraph or so describing the story.
I have had the do a number of these books with people and personally find a nice photo album with plastic sticky pages are good.
It's good to start with a timeline, so initially get a piece of paper and draw a vertical line in the centre of the paper. On one side write time periods or subjects;childhood,young adulthood,work, hobbies.
On the other write key events and memories such as, place of birth,first school,birth of siblings, getting a job and getting married etc. Use these as indicators as you work your way through each one and compile notes capturing details as you go along.
Remember dates are not always important, the fact a main memory is remembered or event is what is key.
Looking at photographs together can be a great way to get started and help trigger stories about main events.
The use of maps is also good and can be used show a person's life journey of where they were born, to places they lived and visited.
They key is make it an enjoyable experience, it will benefit the residents and increase their self esteem and well being.
Themes
Personal details : place of birth,siblings, family memories, childhood memories,first job,getting married, career,children and significant family events.
Other general themes : places lived in and visited,clothing, hobbies,cars owned, holidays, favourite food and drink, films and favourite books.
Key Points
These are just a few examples, the essence of the exercise is that you work at a pace everyone is happy with, it can take weeks at times.
Be patient.
Remember the book is the property of the it is about and should be taken and passed around with out permission from the owner of the book.
Be a good listener.
Always support the person and respect their wishes.
If you are a member of my online academy you can access the templates for life story work alternatively use this one http://www.nhsaaa.net/media/224617/lifestory.pdf
I do hope this has been useful to you. Do you like what I have shared? Let me know.
I have created an online AC Academy that gives you support with all the challenges you face. Why don't you take a look and join www.actasticacademy.com.
I have created an online AC Academy that gives you support with all the challenges you face. Why don't you take a look and join www.actasticacademy.com.
Don't Be Alone!Come connect with me on FB and be part of my online community of fellow AC's at www.facebook.com/groups/lovejoycentregroup
Until next time keep shining and remember your worth.
Love,
Ann Marie x
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