Do you remember? (Veurne)

This memory walk, “Do You Remember?”, is designed for people who want to reminisce about the Veurne of yesteryear. The walk is also tailored for people with dementia and their caregivers. The aim is to deliberately and systematically evoke memories together. Photos from the past and the place today trigger memories of the past and form the basis for a conversation or an activity. This approach has a positive effect on well-being, social contact, and depressive symptoms in older adults.
With this walk, we aim to offer caregivers and professional care providers a tool to help recall memories with the people you care for and to reconnect with one another. You can also do the route in different sections and at different times if that is easier.
We’d like to share a few more tips for communicating with people with dementia.
- Keep in mind that the story you hear may not always be entirely accurate. Each image includes a brief description of who or what is depicted, but there is a chance you will hear something different. Always go along with the story and do not correct the person with dementia. Let them develop a sense of self-worth while recalling memories and immerse yourself in their world.
- We have tried to incorporate mainly positive or neutral aspects from the past into the walk. However, it is possible that the person will mention a previously negative experience and even present it as something positive. Time often shrouds memories with a touch of nostalgia. Therefore, let this remain a positive memory, without emphasizing the fact that these memories were not experienced as positive in the past. Avoid letting the person with dementia dwell on a negative experience for too long. For example, ask a question, or summarize the emotion and turn it into something 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. Each image includes a few possible questions you can ask to make the conversation personal, but feel free to ask your own questions as well. Show interest.
- Avoid “why” questions and keep your questions short, open-ended, and simple.
- Give your conversation partner enough time to answer and show that you’re listening. Nod in agreement, smile, ask a question, but also give the person time to think.
- Perhaps your conversation partner would prefer to listen for a moment? In that case, continue speaking calmly yourself, don’t ask too many questions, and let your conversation partner start talking at their own pace.
- Don’t talk over the person with dementia’s head and avoid whispering. This can arouse suspicion and cause the person with dementia to shut down.
- Treat them as an adult. Avoid using diminutive forms or patronizing language.
- Create a calm atmosphere and stay relaxed yourself.
- Accept that you have heard a certain story many times before and will hear it again, and that you may not get answers to some questions.
- End the walk with a brief conversation about the most positive memory. Also let your conversation partner know that you’re available if they have any further questions or want to talk more.

📏 3.9 km
📍 Ter Linden Residential Care Center
🏁 Ter Linden Residential Care Center