A podcast and video published to mark Dementia Action Week explores the skills of storytelling and listening as a way to connect with older people with memory loss. Produced by Royal Star & Garter, which runs care homes for armed forces veterans and their partners, the online learning tools were made following workshops and one-to-one meetings with staff and relatives. Made with storytelling experts Narativ London, the video looks at techniques and tips on initiating discussions and conversations that can trigger reminiscence and memories among people with dementia. In the podcast there are reflections on the workshops and excerpts from what relatives and staff had to say. Dan Milne from Narativ London said: “By picking up new skills, we hope that people will discover how listening and storytelling has the power to reawaken memories, and to help keep family stories alive, shared and remembered.” For the video, go to www.vimeo.com/783631009, and for the podcast, go to www.spreaker.com/episode/53818842.
