Working with a scrapbook is fun for people of all ages, but for those with dementia it can provide a number of scrapbooking benefits, which are highlighted below.
What Makes a Good Scrapbook?
Scrapbook creation is a type of craft which is designed to document activities. To do it properly you would take a book that has blank pages and then add memorabilia, embellishments, photos and journaling. It is also called cropping and its main goal is the preservation of memories which can be passed down to future generations, but it has the secondary goal of enabling one to showcase their creativity.
Scrapbooks have been around since the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, and were originally just a collection which was contained inside a book. Photography didn’t yet exist, so the earliest scrapbooks often contained things like recipes, playbills, and tickets. The introduction of photography revolutionized scrapbook creation and it is also possible to create digital versions though many people prefer traditional scrapbooks that can be handheld.
It Promotes Cognitive Skills
The latest scientific research reveals that elders who do not continue challenging themselves cognitively as they age are more susceptible to developing memory issues. By creating a scrapbook, your thought process and mental acuity will be reinforced because you’ll have to remember past events, which will keep the mind alert and active.
Boosts Feelings of Accomplishment
Many aging retirees have low self-esteem, and this is understandable given the physical decline that often comes after retirement. However, finishing a scrapbook is one way to boost one’s self esteem, and those with dementia will also feel a sense of control which is vital.
It Preserves Memories
Aging people in general will sometimes find it difficult to recall certain past events, and this is doubly true for those suffering from dementia. Creating a scrapbook is ideal because the photos will help you recall things which would otherwise be lost. You’ll get to sort through family photographs or touch certain fabrics which will fire up your synapses and get them working properly. You can also add captions to the scrapbook which reveals certain details that you can reference in the future.
It Will Enhance Your Physical Dexterity
Occupational therapy is designed to treat those who have experienced motor function problems like handling utensils or writing with a pencil or pen. By creating a scrapbook you’re engaging in a form of occupational therapy because you’ll be required to decorate, glue and cut the pages, which will enhance physical dexterity while giving the dementia patient something to do.
Scrapbooks Offer Emotional Fulfillment
Emotional fulfillment is a necessity for people of all ages, including retirees. By helping your loved one create the scrapbook, they will treasure this time. Sadly, many family members treat their aging parents or grandparents as if they are a burden, which can lead to feelings of depression, especially when they get the sense that you’d rather be doing something else instead of spending your time with them. By taking the time to help them create a scrapbook you show that you care.
