We can either provide the service or we can train your friends or family to create your video biography for you.

There are many reasons why anyone with early-stage dementia should consider telling their life story in the form of a video biography.

For your family

It will allow you to tell your life story for the benefit of your friends and family. It will ensure that you are remembered as you are now and that all those important stories, family values, tradition and life lessons are passed on to your future generations. You can alsorecord personal messages for each of your loved ones that they will cherish forever and gain great comfort from.

For yourself

It provides a quick and effective way for you to record all those important memories long before they begin to fade.

You will be able to replay your life story whenever you want and recall those cherished, special events in your life, such as your relationships, your marriage, the birth of your children, your travels, beliefs and achievements.

It will help you to remember and identify the key people in your life, your family and friends and those that have had the most influence in your life. We would encourage you to have your close relatives and friends appear in the video and share their own recollections, anecdotes and stories about you.

For future carers

If the situation should ever arise where you will need carers who may not be familiar with you, a video biography will give them a better understanding of who you are; your hobbies, beliefs, passions, interests, abilities, and life history,which will help them to correctly tailor the support they provide to meet your needs.

It also gives you the opportunity to express your preferences, such as your appearance, the food and drinks you most enjoy, the music you like to listen to, the books you like to read or listen to, the activities that interest you, as well as your favourite TV programmes and movies.

The importance of acting now

The time it takes for someone living with dementia to lose precious memories varies considerably from person to person. It may take may years before your ability to recall the important moments in your life begin to diminish. However, for some, these memories can begin to fade quickly.

As the progress of the disease is unpredictable, it’s important for everyone with dementia to record all their important memories while it is possible to do so.

Another reason why it is important to act now to  tell your life story is because there is a possibility that your ability to communicate could also become impaired. It is best, therefore, to tell your story while you can converse fluently and confidently.

Free Guide

In our guide “Producing Video Biographies for those living with dementia” we will help you to:

1. Remember and research the key events that have made up your life
2. Decide on the best structure for your video biography
3. Prepare for the video interview that will take place at your home or another location of your choice.

Involve your  family and friends with the project so they can go through this guide with you and help you with your recollections.

It has been shown that life story work  can have a significant impact on your well-being and happiness, reducing anxiety and depression. It can:

• Improve your cognition and mood
• Provide personal empowerment
• Provide valuable information for your caregivers and relatives
• Help raise your self-esteem
• Improve your communication
• Reduce symptoms of depression
• Stimulate your memory processes

and

• Assist you in the recognition of family and friends

The thought of losing your precious memories and independence over time can be frightening, but your video biography will ensure your memories will not be lost forever, and that you will receive the best possible person-centred care, if it is ever needed.