Creating A Life Story During COVID-19.pdf

While maintaining safe social distance and spending more time at home, it could be a great time to start writing or putting together a life story which might become an invaluable resource in the future. A life story is a record of the information of the life and events of a person, which can be great conversation starters about topics that are meaningful to the person. Life stories can be recorded in lots of different formats, such as book format, collage format, video format, memory box, and apps/technology.

A life story never finishes - keep adding stories as life goes on. It's essential to remember that a life story is not just about recording facts, but also feelings. For example, knowing that someone has brothers and sisters is useful, but you need to know if they have a close relationship or not. Otherwise, bringing them up in conversation may have an adverse effect on the mood and connection.

Some formats to consider are:

Book format: Keep it simple with photos and clear, easy-to-read text. You can protect it in a plastic sleeve or laminate it. A ring binder is helpful to keep adding pages.
Collage format: Images are very powerful, and can be useful for people with a more advanced dementia. Remember to use a contrasting background and not to visually overload the space too much.
Video format: Collect small videos including family films, messages from the person with dementia to the family and vice-versa. Short videos about the person's place of origin or relevant times they lived through can be helpful too.
Memory box: A box with physical contents can add shape and texture to memories. A teddy, a ring, a letter, a keyring, a business card, any items with sentimental value will be very useful in a memory box.
Apps/technology: The Social Care Institute of Excellence has detailed advice on creating a life story with technology in the following website: https://tinyurl.com/us7bpk5
Personal profile documents: A type of life story which can be used is for a hospital admission. It will help staff to get to know the person a little better and to provide good person-centred care. An example is "My Care Passport" from Surrey Health Action: https://tinyurl.com/ybp83fo7

Click for more information and a template for a life story from Dementia UK.