According to Alzheimers.net, an online community dedicated to advocacy, education and supporting
those whose lives have been impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, memory
boxes “can link [someone experiencing dementia] to their identity…and can stir thoughts of happy
moments in life.”
At The Palace Gardens, the memory boxes have numerous benefits. They can help caregivers learn
about the residents’ interests and hobbies which sparks conversation. The memory boxes may also
provide insights into someone’s life before their memory suffered, which helps staff see beyond
Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Additionally, they help residents identify their apartments.
“Families find the memory boxes an exciting project to undertake on behalf of their loved ones when
they are moving to the community. One of our residents is a retired pilot who lived abroad and spoke
four languages. His daughters created his memory box with a small model airplane signifying his career,
used a double-decker bus to recall his years in England and included a figurine of Rio de Janeiro’s Christ
the Redeemer, representing his years in Brazil,” said memory care activity director Jennifer Almodovar
CTRS. “We’re also here to help if residents either don’t have family close by or simply need assistance.”
According to Almodovar, in The Palace Gardens’ assisted living community, residents living on the third
floor seem to be a just bit competitive with their memory boxes and personal shelf ledges.
“They have a lot of community spirit and love showing off their talents and grandchildren and great-
grands,” she said. “You’ll find beautiful floral arrangements or a piece of sculpture on a ledge while their
memory boxes hold fascinating family photos, newspaper clippings, and props. It’s so important that
residents feel this is their home and they have the opportunity to make a personal statement at the
entrance of their residence.”
To learn more about The Palace Gardens, please call 305-247-0446.
