Memory game recalls the best in life
Friday February 1, 2008 -- Camille Jensen
Ask life enrichment co-ordinator Chris Charlebois what gets the residents talking and with a coy smile, she’ll respond, “romance, they love talking about romance.”

Called the memory game, Charlebois has created a simple way for residents at Maplewood to open up and share their histories.

Having residents form a circle, the game consists of a large table cloth marked with different questions. A player throws a bean bag onto the cloth, answering whatever question the beanbag lands on.

“A staff member usually starts,” explains Charlebois. “The residents feel comfortable because we’re sharing and then they are more willing to share as well.”

Charlebois says questions about first dates and first kisses are two topics that prompt residents into reminiscing. She says she designs topics that help residents recall happy memories.

Because a lot of residents have lost their spouses, the memory game gives them a chance to recall and talk about the special things they did for each other.

Charlebois adds that the game is also a good way for the staff to learn about the residents.

“There are so many things about their lives before they came here that we have no idea about,” says Charlebois.

Having first come across the game when working at Pleasant Meadow Manor, Charlebois designed a similar tool when she transferred to the Brighton long-term care home.

Changing the topic depending on the time of year, Charlebois says the game is used all year long and takes on themes of music, cars and days of school. 

She also recommends the game for residents with cognitive impairment who usually sit on the outskirts and listen.

“You can see them chuckling with a smile on their face,” says Charlebois.  “It’s provoking memories in their own mind, they’re just not able to share it.”

Charlebois says her favourite stories are about love and adds the residents tell quite the stories. Many coming of age during the war years, some of the female residents moved to Canada after falling in love with a Canadian soldier.

An old romantic at heart, Charlebois says she gets emotional when residents tell tales of love at first sight.

A special Valentines memory game is planned for Feb. 14.