HealthInfo Canterbury
How to make a memory book
Me pēhea e tito i tētahi pukapuka maumaharatanga
A memory book can be very helpful for someone with memory loss and for their family. It provides a record of their personal history, which can be very helpful as their memory loss increases.
A memory book describes likes, dislikes, interests and work history and identifies family and friends.
If someone is diagnosed with dementia, it's best to start creating a memory book as soon as possible. This way, the person can be involved in choosing the pictures, and they can use their own language to describe each picture. Even if they have memory loss without a diagnosis of dementia, a memory book is a good idea in case their memory loss gets worse.
Not only will this book help your loved one to remember their life story, but it can also be a storybook for future generations.
Getting started on your memory book
To build your memory book you'll need:
- a ring binder and clear plastic sleeves or a clearfile folder (or display book)
- tape or glue, scissors, pens and markers
- family pictures, tokens from past events and anything else that's helpful and meaningful to the person.
Topics to Include in your memory book
Include reminders of the important people, places and things in their life. These include:
- family members
- key life events – give dates and describe the events
- places I've lived – describe the place (use photos and a map)
- personality – things that make me happy
- religious or spiritual beliefs
- favourite foods or recipes
- holidays or favourite times of the year
- clubs or groups I've belonged to
- work history
- recreational activities and hobbies
- animals and pets
- travel – places I've visited, using maps and photos.
Some pages to include
- My name is...
- My children are...
- My grandchildren are...
- I was born at...
- I live at...
- I love (as many pages as you need, including hobbies and passions).
- My favourite ... is... (as many pages as you need, including things like colour, TV programme, food, holiday and so on).
Tips for your memory book
- Use personalised statements such as "My wife…", "This is my daughter…", "I enjoy….".
- Use short statements and sentences, as longer, complex sentences may be confusing.
- Use one page for each picture.
- When talking about the pictures, prompt the person to read the sentences you've written and elaborate on what's happening. Don't correct them if they make mistakes.
Written by speech language therapist, Older Persons Mental Health, Canterbury DHB. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed August 2022.
SourcesReview key: HIMLD-33325
