Silver Memories: A tool for dementia care and engagement

Memories feed imagination. They help us relive shared experiences with loved ones and best friends. Moments filled with passion and wonder influence present-day actions, especially when triggered by a song or scenery.

However, we all know that these memories can slip away over time. Dementia is a particularly bold thief that never discriminates — anyone could be affected. 

That does not mean joy, well-being and happiness is lost. It just means that prompts, conversations and positive triggers like music are a helpful tool for recapturing golden memories.

Established in 2007, Silver Memories has evolved into a leading holistic solution to social isolation and poor mental well-being in residential aged care. 

Created by Gary Thorpe OAM, an esteemed community leader who received the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to music and broadcasting, it embraces reminiscence music therapy to bring memories to life and craft new shared experiences. 

Reminiscence therapy is powerful, especially for older adults or people living with dementia, because it taps into the deep well of long-term memories that often remain intact even when short-term memory fades. 

The unique and innovative platform combines the best of both worlds – the medium of radio and imagery – while broadcasting engaging, cheerful and age-appropriate content 24/7. This includes music from the 1940s – 1970s, old radio serials and comedies, and engaging conversations from staff.

Queensland aged care and retirement living provider BlueCare has been using Silver Memories for several years, with the nostalgia broadcast service leading to positive outcomes for residents and family members. 

“Silver Memories steps in and engages residents in a great way. It also helps the family to bring those memories back with residents. Silver Memories helps residents to regain their relationship with loved ones,” shared Priya Patel, Care Manager at BlueCare.

Staff and residents share the benefits 

If there is one shared challenge among aged care workers across Australia it is that they could always use more time and support to boost resident engagement. Silver Memories is an invaluable resource in this regard as it is more than just a basic entertainment service: it offers evidence-based features perfect for activities and experiences.

All care and support staff can easily access and run Silver Memories — in fact, so can residents — through the original television channel and a mobile app. 

The Silver Memories App expands accessibility, enabling residents to enjoy its benefits through smartphones and tablets, whether in residential care or at home. Staff training, activity plans, and an extensive library of resources are also available through the Silver Memories website, empowering facilities to integrate the service seamlessly into their care model. 

“The residents at Arcare Knox love the Silver Memories service. We have added the service to many of the resident’s care plans,” added Leanne Pratt, Lifestyle Coordinator at Arcare Knox in Melbourne.

Crucially, Silver Memories is a proven non-pharmacological tool for dementia care. It is not simply dampening behaviours through high dosages of medicine, rather, it helps to strengthen identity as residents reconnect with themselves through past memories.

It triggers positive emotions linked to joyful or meaningful memories — such as weddings, holidays or birthdays — and it bridges gaps between generations as staff and family members are included in the nostalgia trip.

Staff and carers in homes where Silver Memories is installed report benefits such as a reduction in resident stress and anxiety plus a significant time saving due to the resources provided. 

“Particularly for residents with dementia, Silver Memories services are good for reorientating. If someone is having a bad day, the program can help redirect their thoughts, and it’s a good distraction if residents are feeling lonely,” said Tracy Skinner, Lifestyle Coordinator for Golden Oaks Nursing Home in Bendigo.

Three research projects have also been undertaken, finding that well-being, morale and quality of life improved, as did resident results on the Geriatric Depression Scale — a self-report instrument that screens depression in older adults.

These outcomes are not only beneficial to residents, but they can have a positive flow-on effect to the Residents’ Experience Survey and Aged Care Star Ratings when residents report a higher quality of life. 

Every day that an aged care facility operates without Silver Memories is a day lost improving resident engagement and carer support.

Embraced by 200+ care homes

As the only 24/7 service of its kind in Australia, Silver Memories is a consistent and reliable companion for residents, carers, and family members alike. The ease of access through a dedicated TV channel ensures widespread adoption and ease of use, fostering continuous engagement with minimal staff intervention.

With its proven ability to reduce isolation, improve mental well-being, and support carers, Silver Memories is an essential investment in quality aged care.

Join the 200+ aged care facilities across Australia already benefiting from Silver Memories. Make the choice today to bring comfort, connection, and joy into your residential care home.

Visit Silver Memories to learn more, or contact Business Development Manager Mark Smith directly at [email protected] or 0431 411 099.