When a loved one suffers from Alzheimers and starts to lose memories, it impacts the whole family. Often, the changing stages of Alzheimers are marked by a renewed interest and focus on preserving family stories, history and keepsakes by those who realize how much stands to be lost to future generations.
If you, or someone you care about, has a loved one with Alzheimers, there is nothing that can be done to restore memory for the one with the disease. That is the sad and degenerative nature of the condition. There are, however, things that you can do now, that may make it easier to cope with this loss and ensure that some family memories will live on forever.
Preserving Family Memories
- Share Family Stories
When family members gather, talk about what you remember – about the person with the illness, about your lives together, about the places you’ve lived and the experiences you’ve had.
- Record the Stories
Using an audio or video recording device, just let it run while you share. Record snippets of conversation (even the repetition) with the loved one. This is the voice you will want to remember.
- Take Lots of Photos
Be sure to label your photos with dates, names and other important information. These can live for a vey long time.
- Run Through Old Family Photos
Pull out those shoeboxes of old family photos and see what memories they conjure up. Lightly pencil on the back of the photos the who, when and where (as much as possible). You may be surprised at what your loved one remembers.
- Stay Connected
If family is far flung, use facebook or other social sharing tools to set up groups for staying connected. You may need to rely on the younger generations to ensure things run smoothly.
- Plan a Family Reunion
Make a point of getting together for the holidays, family reunion or just a plain old weekend. Make the theme one of storytelling and remembering together. Have everyone bring a favorite family photo or two and other family memorabilia.
- Organize
Designate a family historian or a family history team. This responsibility can rotate from year to year so that no one gets burned out or overwhelmed.
Living with Alzheimers is hard and the loss of memory and recognition may be one of the most difficult things for a family to bear emotionally. Taking steps now to gather and document your family history as you know it will at least ensure that your own memories will be preserved as a legacy for future generations
~ Legacy Videos ~
Give your family the gift of a lifetime by capturing your life story in a Legacy Video.
Here at Family Tree Video we produce Legacy Videos, modern-day memoirs that weave a filmed interview together with family photos, documents, maps and other memorabilia. The result is a beautiful “moving portrait” capturing you sharing your life story, family history and memories – a gift your family will treasure for generations to come.
Your stories are too important to leave to memory. Learn more about capturing them in a Legacy Video for your family to know.
Family Tree Video LLC
Legacy Video Production
(312) 402-6406
Since 2008
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Alzheimers
“There are only two lasting bequests we can give our children.
One is roots, and the other, wings.” — H. S. Carter
Alzheimers
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Capturing Life Stories and Family History
for Future Generations
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