Using the memory bank

Once you create the person's memory bank, use it. Pull out photos and other items throughout the day to remind the person of special relationships, events and places.

By documenting the person's story, you can affirm the positive things he or she has done and, possibly, can still do. Even after the person's memories fade, creating this kind of treasury shows that you value and respect his or her legacy — and it can help remind you who the person was before dementia.