Reminiscing about the good old days

There are times when few words are needed to help spread a smile across a person’s face – in fact, sometimes all it takes is one image or song to spark a memory or emotion.

South Australia’s award-winning pilot, adventurer, author, photographer and motivational speaker, Fran West (pictured), is hoping to reach as many people in Australian aged care facilities – and even across the globe – with her DVDs which simply feature photographs and music.

Using reminiscence-based therapy, Ms West tells DPS News the DVDs are designed to spark memories in aged care residents, while hoping to reconnect them with past lifestyles and experiences, such as outback adventures, days at the zoo and show, vintage cars and much more.

“There are no captions or commentary. People can just concentrate on looking and listening and it might trigger memories,” she says.

“The smells and tastes we experience at shows or carnivals, such as the taste of the fairy floss or the strong smell of coffee, are cherished memories. The DVDs offer more than just visual aids but also tap into a person’s sensory memory.

“It’s the whole package of photo therapy and music therapy combined into hours of enjoyment. It’s very person-centred. Watching the DVDs you will find residents’ behaviour may alter and it is easier to care for them, improving the lives of patients and carers.”

Created for easy viewing and listening, the DVDs are a combination of Ms West’s aerial and ground images and have been designed specifically at the request of, and for use by, diversional therapists, to connect people with past lifestyles, bring back memories and provide hours of enjoyment.

Suitable for viewing on a laptop, personal computer, large screen or television, each DVD has more than 260 images and an easy listening soundtrack.

“I keep adding to the list of what people suggest – there are so many ideas. These DVDs all come about through the suggestions of people working in aged care,” Ms West says.

Her work has also been viewed by many aged care residents in South Australia, where the images and music have reportedly brought back memories of one resident’s big caravan trip around the country.

But of all of the residents who have viewed her intriguing DVDs, Ms West’s biggest fan is perhaps her mother who also resides at a facility in South Australia.

“I experiment on her,” Ms West laughs, adding she asks her mother to view the DVDs to determine whether she likes them or not.

Ms West’s work, which has been described as “peaceful and relaxing” to palliative care patients, has also appealed to America’s aviation industry which has purchased copies of the ‘Awesome Aviation’ DVD.