Little boxes of memories

Photos, knick-knacks, sporting memorabilia, post cards – they all trigger memories, but are particularly important for older people and even more important for those living with dementia.

Memory boxes have been installed at East Grampians Health Service’s aged care facility Garden View Court, with the Ararat Woodies generously donating their time and materials to construct the boxes for each of the 24 residents.

The memory boxes are like the old fashioned ‘shadow boxes’ and sit adjacent to the door of each resident’s room.

Residents are able to place their favourite photos, sporting posters, pictures, ornaments, and anything that is personal to them in the boxes, which also act as a way-finder for residents to make their way back to their rooms.

Former Garden View Court manager Maree Fraser began talking to members of the Ararat Woodies last year and over a period of few months the group constructed the 24 boxes and delivered them to Garden View Court late last year.

They have now been installed and residents are enjoying filling each box with their favourite items.

EGHS chief executive Nick Bush thanked members of the Ararat Woodies for their time and patience in constructing the memory boxes for Garden View Court.

“It has been wonderful to see the residents fill their memory boxes with all their favourite things – the boxes have been beautifully constructed and that is testament to the skills of the members of the Woodies.

“We are very grateful for their work and know that residents now and well into the future will enjoy these spaces for their memories to be on show.”