Creating a Legacy

“I lead with what she can do”

Meaningful Moments

Focusing on genuine meaningful moments can be difficult when caring for a person living with dementia. As the condition progresses over time, a person can lose the interest or ability to do what they love, which can be devastating for caregivers and loved ones alike.

Listen to how our caregivers created meaningful moments despite these challenges:

Tips to encourage meaningful moments

Celebrate
Ability

Focus on what the person can do rather than what they used to do. Engage them in activities they enjoy and can still participate in, such as gardening, painting, or simple crafts.

Establish
Routine

Routine and consistency around enjoyable activities can provide comfort and reduce anxiety.

Engage the Senses

Use sensory activities like baking, aromatherapy, or listening to favourite music. These can be soothing and stimulate positive memories.

Be
Present

Focus on quality time without distractions. Even simple activities like holding hands, reading aloud, or taking a walk can be very meaningful.

“Joking and laughter were her mainstays…
and I still see echos of that person…”

A New Journey

Caregivers often struggle with the changing personality that often occurs in people living with dementia. Despite these changes, it is important to remember that the person you care for is still there, even if they express themselves differently.

Understanding this can help caregivers change their approach when engaging with the people they love; by recognising and responding to the person’s current needs and behaviours, caregivers can maintain a meaningful connection.

Tips for the journey ahead

Be patient and calm: try not to show frustration and avoid arguing.
Allow conversations to deviate: people living with dementia can have conversations that can go anywhere!
Reassure and comfort: let the person know you are there to help and support them.
Redirect attention when required: engage people living with dementia in activities that interest them, like listening to music or going for a walk.
Identify triggers: try to understand what might be causing behaviour change and avoid them where possible.
Anticipate that your loved one’s abilities and disabilities may continue to change over time, resulting in a need to reconfigure your approach to support and care accordingly.

“It’s about passing on her traditions, making her visible, and keeping her alive in everything that we do”

Shaping Their Legacy

Remembering someone for the skills, achievements, and love they shared throughout their life allows us to honour and celebrate a person’s impact on our lives.

Listen to our caregivers explain how cherishing the positive memories of their loved ones ensures their legacy remains a source of inspiration and love:

Keeping a memory alive

Capture Memories

Collect photos, videos and stories that highlight their life and achievements.

Establish Traditions

Create new family traditions that honour their memory and keep their spirit alive.

Preserve Hobbies and Interests

Highlight their passions, hobbies and contributions to their community. Exposure to nature, including gardening and visits to parks, can be both soothing and meaningful.

Share Stories

Encourage family and friends to share their favourite memories and experiences. Activities involving reminiscence on earlier stages of life (e.g. looking at photo albums together or listening to music from their youth) may be useful.

“I want to make my mum have meaningful moments in life… and I want to enjoy those meaningful moments with her”

References

Thank you to our caregivers Jane, Marta, Neil, and Luke who were an invaluable primary resource for the content on this website. Other online resources that were consulted include the following (all were accessed in March 2025). The information in these sources may not comply with the Australian regulatory environment. The intent of providing this further material is informational and not as advice; any information provided in these sources should be discussed with your healthcare professional and does not replace their advice.

Alzheimer’s Project. The Importance of Routine and Familiarity to Persons with Dementia.

Mayo Clinic Press. Recognizing strengths and potential in people living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.