Reminiscence Therapy

The use of life histories — pictorial, written or spoken — to improve Psychological Well-being.

Reminiscence therapy is one of the most popular psychosocial interventions in dementia care. It has been shown that life story work paired with reminiscence therapy can have a significant impact on wellbeing and happiness. This type of therapy is an effective treatment for care recipients with:

Reminiscence sessions StoriiCare

Our sessions are simple and fun. Crucially, they do not add to a carer's workload. A carer would begin a session with viewing and discussing content within a service user’s Media section. Importantly, activity reports from these sessions can be provided to regulatory bodies, evidencing the quality of the care provided.

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Effects

Positive effects of reminiscence therapy

Better Cognition & Mood

Reminiscence therapy can help stimulate memory and boost overall mood in individuals with cognitive decline, including those living with dementia.

Increased Empowerment

By focusing on meaningful memories, individuals feel more in control of their identity and experiences, promoting a sense of empowerment.

Reduced Caregiver Strain

Structured reminiscence activities can ease emotional and caregiving burdens, fostering better relationships and reducing stress for loved ones.

Boosted Self-Esteem

Reconnecting with one’s life story builds confidence, dignity, and a positive sense of self—especially important in dementia care.

Improved Daily Functioning

Participants often show improvements in daily functions, such as attention span, verbal expression, and task engagement.

Stronger Communication

Reminiscence encourages conversation, improving verbal interaction and making it easier for caregivers to connect with those they support.

Fewer Depression Symptoms

Reflecting on positive life events can lift spirits and help alleviate symptoms of depression in older adults.

Stimulating & Fun

From music and photos to stories and group sharing, reminiscence activities offer enjoyable ways to stay mentally and emotionally active.

Research

Many studies show reminiscence therapy benefits people with cognitive impairments like dementia

Such studies tend to focus on two particular measurements: improvements in cognitive function and improvements in quality of life. Our sessions are based upon best practice and successful outcomes. StoriiCare is continually updated and improved upon as new studies and trials are published. Want to find out more about Dementia? See our Useful links page.

Alzheimer’s Society

Alzheimer's Society - United Against Dementia

Alzheimer’s Society

Treatments for dementia | Alzheimer's Society

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence

Dementia: supporting people with dementia and their carers in health and social care | Guidance | NICE

Wiley Online Library

The prevalence of dementia and depression in Taiwanese institutionalized leprosy patients, and the effectiveness evaluation of reminiscence therapy

University of Exeter

People with dementia gain from learning self-management skills - University of Exeter

Iriss

Supporting those with dementia: Reminiscence therapy and life story work | Iriss