SIEGEN MANOR RC
WESLEY STREET
MORLEY
LEEDS
LS27 9EE
Contact: Chris Peters
Tel: 0113 253 6155
Fax: 0113 307 4569
Chris Peters@leeds.gov.uk
SIEGEN MANOR PERSON CENTRES INITIATIVES : THE LIFE STORY REVIEW
PROJECT
In the spring of 2009, a life review project was proposed and planned
for Siegen Manor's customers. This was to be implemented over the
summer period and further developed into 2010. This would grow and
develop alongside the experiential learning in the team, into a
cornerstone of person centred excellence in the service. The driving
force behind this development was a vision for the service, to provide a
comprehensive and effective bio-psychosocial approach for dementia care
customers.
The aim of the project was to produce imaginative reflections of the
tremendous richness and variety in the customers lives, that have
contributed to the person becoming who they are today. This information
could include a myriad of detail including family life, schooling /
education, working life and holidays through to life changing periods
and any significant events. This detail could then be used to contribute
to enabling the continued personal identity or "personhood" of the
person living with dementia whilst greatly improving self esteem and
well being. This recognises the value of confirming identity and
attachment to people, experiences, objects, events and places in their
lives, as well as promoting reflection and awareness of life
achievements and pleasant life affirming events.
A programme of team education and training commenced, the manager
conducting several person centred training initiatives using the model
of Kitwood's positive and malignant social-psychology as the basis. Too
often it was considered that care teams are ill pre-pared and
inadequately trained for speciality care where clearly a firm base for
development is required. This base was to incorporate a narrowing of the
gap between theory and practice in the specialism of dementia care and
moving towards bio-psycho social approaches in an informed and prepared
manner.
The life story project began by identifying a core group of team
members to lead the care team in learning and developing an
understanding of the value and the process of life review work. Memory
boxes was considered the first step to take as this was more tangible
and practical as a starting point. Whilst this was undertaken, the
development of a format for life stories began.
Customers were consulted regarding the provision of memory display
boxes in their bedrooms. Almost all agreed and significantly many of
those on the mainstream residential unit also wished to participate.
Memory display boxes were purchased and key workers in partnership with
customers and there families were provided with a small fund to assist
in collecting items and memorabilia for each memory display box. Three
team members were provided with life review work training and the
nuances of life review work were instilled in order that support for
others in the team was available. The manager demonstrated his own
memory box and explained the attachment and significance of each item,
to the team. All was then in place to move on.
Following a month long preparatory period a memory box award ceremony
was announced and a special event was initiated. Judging day was
promoted and completed a few days prior to the awards ceremony. The
manager then arranged and conducted an "oscar" style ceremony, and
announced and presented awards to all participants and their key
workers. Some examples of the awards were as follows.
• Most Original entry
• Most startling life revelation award
• Best overall entry, 1st 2nd and 3rd
This event was so successful and animated and the customers, families
and team members all enjoyed and valued their participation. Period
costume was worn by one entry and the constraints of the memory display
box were no barrier to the imagination of customers and key workers,
many were far exceeded and extended into other displays. Displays of
imagination and vibrancy were produced of excellence that so impressed
the judges. So much so that the event is to be annually provided and
developed still further for 2010 onwards and is considered the highlight
of the year by many.
It is now considered that the project is now fully integrated. The
actual life story format has now been developed further and will be
judged alongside the displays. The richness and individuality of peoples
lives is demonstrated and available to enhance their personhood and
well being. The care team are now showing autonomy and pride in this
work of collaboration with customers and families. The event planned for
April 2010 will include a special guest celebrity presenter and more
glitz and glamour but at its heart will be a person centred ethos and
promotion of well being for those living with dementia.
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Comments Received:
Errollyn Bruce (15th March 2010)
The photos of the displays
are great, but what's really important is all the communication and
interest in the people concerned that went on during the making of the
displays. And then there's the impact that the displays have on ongoing
communication and relationships. Anyone walking into these rooms is
presented with ideas for conversation. Family members are often short
of ideas for Christmas and birthday presents - but what about
suggesting that they make a new life story display, book or memory box
to present and celebrating another aspect of their relative's life?
I
notice that this project work talks in terms of life review, which
generally refers to a slightly different approach to life history work.
'Structured life review' refers to work with therapeutic goals,
designed to help people come to terms with the life they have lived.
However, anyone doing life history work can find themselves in the role
of 'therapeutic listener' if the person they are talking to is not
reconciled to some of the significant or traumatic events in their
life. Haight BK and Haight BS (2007) THE HANDBOOK OF STRCUTURED LIFE
REVIEW London:Health Professions Press is a very useful book to have to
hand. There are times when we can't sweep unresolved feelings relating
to distressing events, loss and trauma to one side and just focus upon
happy memories. This book provides guidance on how to be an effective
therapeutic listener for people who want to speak about the unhappy
parts of their lives.