Keeping memories when decluttering
There are a whole host of reasons why downsizing is a favoured option for many in later life. These include moving nearer to family for extra support; or because their current home is just too big to manage; or health reasons dictate a smaller or ground floor property; or perhaps for financial reasons.
When supporting our clients to downsize, one of the things we help with is decluttering. This takes on a different focus when perhaps one of the people involved has dementia. Of course it is important that the new property isn’t cluttered with everything from the old one, but it is vital to hang on to physical items that bring special memories with them as these tangible objects really do matter.
A family member will know what is special to them, but perhaps they are unaware of what might provoke a unique memory for their parents or grandparents. (Note – have that conversation!)
Physical items really do matter and are important when memories start to fade. You may not, for example, be able to take the whole tea-set, but one cup and saucer could do the trick, with perhaps a photo of the whole tea-set being used.
Photographs are often ideal to stimulate recollections and if there are numerous items that you’d like to take but space will not permit, have the camera ready! Discussing long-term memories can help trigger short-term ones, so take a good selection of photographs with you. Who knows what the future will bring? But having these physical items will help you and your family.
Dementia may not be anywhere close to being on your radar right now – and, indeed, may never be. However, taking the steps suggested above when you’re downsizing will never be wasted and could ultimately prove to be life-enhancing.
In England it is estimated that around 676,000 people have dementia. In the whole of the UK, the number of people with dementia is estimated at 850,000. Dementia mainly affects older people, and after the age of 65, the likelihood of developing dementia roughly doubles every five years. Source: NHS.co.uk
Picture: Was hanging in my Grandma’s home for all my life. I took photos so I could remember the pictures and therefore her.
[if 7 not_equal=””]” link=”file”][/if 7] Edit
