White jet yet (De Panne).

This memory walk "White jet still?" is for people who want to reminisce about the De Panne of yesteryear. The walk is also tailored for people with dementia and their caregivers. The aim is to recall memories together in a purposeful and structured way. Pictures of the past and the place today activate memories of the past and form the basis for a conversation or an activity. This effect has a positive effect on well-being, social contact and in case of depressive symptoms in the elderly.
With this walk we want to offer informal caregivers and professional caregivers a tool to recall memories with the persons you care for and to find a piece of connection with each other again. You can also do the route in different parts and at different times if that is easier.
We would like to give some more tips for communicating with persons with dementia.
- Keep in mind that the story you are told is not always close to the truth. Each image has a brief explanation of who or what is pictured, but chances are you will hear something different. Always go along with the story and do not correct the person with dementia. While reminiscing, allow them to develop a sense of self and join them in their living environment.
- We have tried to include mostly positive or neutral things from the past in the walk. Still, it is possible that a previously negative experience may be mentioned by the person and even presented as something positive. Time often envelops memories with a touch of nostalgia. Therefore, let this remain a positive memory without emphasizing that these memories were not previously perceived as positive. Avoid having the person with dementia dwell too long on a negative experience. For example, ask a question, or summarize the emotion and make it positive: "That certainly wasn't easy, but it made you stronger. I'm proud of you!"
- Try to add a personal touch to the conversation. With each image are some possible questions you can ask to make the conversation personal, but feel free to ask questions of your own choosing. Show interest.
- Avoid why questions and keep your questions short, open and simple.
- Give your conversation partner plenty of time to answer and show that you are listening. Nod affirmatively, smile, ask a question, but also allow the person time to think a bit.
- Maybe your conversation partner enjoys listening more? If so, continue talking quietly yourself, don't ask too many questions and let your interlocutor start talking at his or her own pace.
- Don't talk over the head of the person with dementia and avoid whispering. This can arouse suspicion and cause the person with dementia to clam up.
- Approach him or her as an adult. Avoid using diminutive or patronizing language.
- Provide a calm atmosphere and be relaxed yourself.
- Accept that you have heard and will hear a particular story many times before and again and that some questions will not be answered.
- End the walk with a brief conversation about the most positive memory. Also, let your conversation partner know that you will continue to be there if he or she has any questions or wants to talk further.

📏 4.4km
📍 Saint Bernard residential care center
🏁 Town Hall