There are lots of unique ways to use the Daily Sparkle. They function most simply as a newspaper with reminiscence topics and stories from the past, but, with a little creativity and the use of all the extra resources we include, you can use them for a range of activities throughout the home. Here we look at how they can be used for simple family reminiscence activities.
Simple ways to start off with the reminiscence topics in the Daily Sparkle are to ask residents what they were doing in a specific year – can they remember where they were during a specific event? Where were they when they heard breaking news? Get them sharing stories in this way.
Leave copies of the the Weekly Sparkle in the lounge and reception areas, so those who might not have attended the group sessions can still find a few things of interest – this is especially good for family members and friends, who can then also pick them up and go through them with a loved one. You could even invite friends and family to attend your reminiscence groups or chit-chat clubs. They will be able to get involved, enjoy seeing loved ones enthusiastic and excited by the day’s topics, and there will be plenty to discuss afterwards as well.
Make sure residents who spend most of their time in their rooms have a copy delivered daily or weekly so they can read it themselves. When friends and family visit, why not tell them about some of the topics you’ve been discussing that week and some of the activities you’ve been doing? This will instantly get people talking. They can then use the Sparkles, or Carer’s Notes, to carry on the conversation.
