Training Materials Review: Reminiscence and Recall – A Practical Guide to Reminiscence Work

 Reminiscence and Recall – A Practical Guide to Reminiscence Work
 Faith Gibson, Age Concern
 ISBN 0862424119,
 £14.99

 STAR RATING: 5/5

Faith Gibson’s enthusiasm for reminiscence work shines out of every page, writes Joy Bounds.

The basic premise of this new third edition, including recent research and practice experience, is that reminiscence has the power to transcend differences between people, and therefore to bring people together. The sharing of memories enriches and validates people’s lives. This can help face the future with more courage.

The guide’s most practical section includes useful detail on how to plan and run reminiscence sessions, how to use triggers, create a record and so on, and where life-story work and other techniques might be useful. This section is full of ideas, strategies and encouragement for professional carers undertaking this task.

Gibson shows how no one need be excluded from the opportunity to engage in reminiscence work, be they from an ethnic minority, have a sensory or learning difficulty, dementia, depression and so on. Powerful statements are made that encourage inclusion and give clear advice. I found the chapter on working with terminally ill people inspiring and innovative, and suspect that reminiscence has even more to offer here.

Reminiscence can be a simple or highly-planned process. This well-organised book’s positive attitudes and sound practical information will inspire all those working with older people.

Joy Bounds is a retired social care manager