Communication and creativity cont.

Art work
A range of creative activities can be used to encourage memories in either a group or individual setting. Creative activities can be adapted so that they are accessible to people of all abilities. Collages can be made from mementos of the person who has died, including photos, materials, jewellery etc. This can be a manageable way for individuals to keep a wide variety of special (personal and simple) items belonging to their loved one. Modelling clay and plasticine can be used to create sculptures, which may be a way of creating an accessible, lasting reminder of someone and can be an enjoyable activity for people who have visual impairments.

Gardening
Gardening is an-activity enjoyed by many people. Creating a special area of the garden to remember loved ones can be especially useful when someone is unable to visit a grave. This can form a focus for remembering and celebrating important dates. It may be worth thinking about having a particular plant or tree that can grow in a pot, as it would be portable should the individual move house.

Using games and activities
Tabletop activities such as jigsaws and board games can act as a diversion when talking about difficult issues. Through sharing the activity with an individual, staff can talk and offer support without making the person feel pressurised. Exercise (e.g. swimming, football) can be an effective way of releasing emotion and again provide a diversion from the pressures of one-to-one discussion about bereavement. Memory games (i.e. fun games to encourage memory and recall) can be used to initiate discussion and to help individuals retain and articulate their own memories and feelings about a loved one.

Mementoes
These may be anything that individuals feel may help them to remember their loved one. They may be items of jewellery, clothing or personal items, such as a pipe or favourite hat. It is important to let individuals choose their own mementoes, as what they see as a special item may be very different from what carers may view as a special item. Individuals could be helped to decorate a special box in which their mementos can be kept safe and available to them. Mementos can also be used within a collage, as mentioned previously.

Smells
Smells have a very important link to memories and may be a useful way of keeping the memory of a loved one alive for individuals with more profound disabilities. Smells may be reminiscent of a person e.g. perfumes and toiletries, or may be reminiscent of buildings and places e.g. furniture polish, washing powder, the smell of baking etc. When working with
people who are unable to communicate verbally, smells can be used imaginatively and constructively. If possible, talk to relatives to build up a picture of the smells that individuals would have associated with their loved one (e.g. a certain perfume or favourite tobacco). Many of the activity ideas outlined previously can also be used in a proactive way to introduce and help an individual come to terms with the expected death of a loved one (see Examples one & two). Resources to support such positive practice development can be found in the resource section of this booklet.

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