Scrapbook Ideas for Frail Senior with Dementia?

[michellex2]

I'm taking my elderly Mom to DW the second week of December for a week. She is very frail and struggles with dementia as well. I plan to make a relatively simple scrapbook of our trip, as she cannot remember well enough to describe things, but wants to tell others what she did. With the scrapbook, I can label everything and she doesn't stress out about being unable to remember things because I tell her that it will be in the album. I looked at our local scrapbooking store and picked up a few items, but all of the Disney scrapbooks they had were Mickey and gang, Princesses, Poohs, etc., mainly in primary colors, which I think she would feel is too "kid like" for her. During our only other very short trip (2 days), my Mom loved Animal Kingdom and Epcot, as well as MVMCP. Last trip I used a 12 x 12 photo album with the sticky sheets and she loved showing the album to everybody.

So here's my questions:
(1) Do they have scrapbook albums at Disney that are more themed toward Animal Kingdom, Epcot or Disney World as a whole vs. MK or character themes only?
(2) Where's the best place to buy scrapbook stuff at Disney World and are the prices alot higher than at regular scrapbook places?
(3) Would you recommend a scrapbook with the sheet protectors or one of those "peel and stick" photo albums (the kind where a plastic sheet sticks to a mildly sticky surface, and you just put the photos, comments etc. on the surface) for a simple album. (Simpler is better for her dementia -- she doesn't get overwhelmed by the information with a simple format.)

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Maple]

I just wanted to let you know I think it is a great thing you are doing with a scrapbook. My mom had dementia too, had to be in a assisted living place her last year. She loved showing her pictures to other people. Like you said, the simplier the better. Sorry, I can't really help with the other stuff but I know you will get other replies.

 

[GrayFal]

What a nice idea...I would suggest the 'regular' scrapbook with page protectors...that way her friends can touch without her having to worry about them ruining anything.

 

[MN Dis Fans]

Did you know that Creative Memories makes an album called the Triumph Memory Chest? It can stand on a bedside table when finished. The company donates $2 from each sale of this album to the Alzheimer's Assoc.

 

[goofymom/pop]

Yes and CM also sells a Disney album that is small 7x7 size. It would only hold two pics per page and little infor. It is red in color and has a simple black Mickey silouette on the front. Very nice quality. But not inexpensive. Check out their website creativememories.com for a consultant near you.

 

[scrapcreator]

Are you thinking of staying with the 12 x 12 size or maybe a little smaller? There are some beautiful 8 x 8 Disney albums out there (not cheap) with Tinkerbell, the princesses, Mickey. Does she have a favorite? Or you could go with a favorite color for the album. The 8 x 8 would probably be easier for her to handle and you can get info and maybe a couple of pics on a page. You probably wouldn't need a lot of stickers or other things with a smaller album.

I think what you are doing is wonderful. My grandmother (94) has dementia and is in an assisted living home. I made a small, simple family album for her a few years ago to help her remember family members.

Best of luck!

Jeanne

 

[Disneymommie]

I belive they do sell all kinds of paper and embelishments that relate to each park. One paper pack had paper from every park. I love what you are doing. My grandfather just passed away and he had suffered from alheizmers for many years! Have a great trip!

 

[ReAnSt]

I would probably do an 8 x 8 album or an 8 1/2 x 11 album in a neutral color such as tan or hunter green so it is animal Kingdomish. I would stick to this size or smaller so she can handle it easy to show to others.

As you go to the various attractions, I would ask her simple questions about the various attractions so you can write down what she thinks of the attraction as she experiences them. This way the written descriptions will be in her words as she was experiencing the things.

Make sure to take pictures of her facial expressions as she experiences things as well. They will show others how she felt about the various attractions and shows.

You may also want to include things such as napkins, coasters, etc to remind her about the different things she used on her trip.

Becky

 

[LindaBabe]

where I would look at MouseMemories.com as a good source. The "vintage" mickey stuff might be a good choice - the colors are more subdued. I bought a great box of vintage stickers at the world of disney, too. Haven't seen anthing really AK themed, but I scrap the pages anyway using papers with an African or jungle themed feel.

 

[michellex2]

I appreciate all the suggestions. I'll check out some of the sites and options mentioned!

 

[LindaBabe]

I found two different sets of paper for you! One is very modern, stylized icons of the 4 parks, and the other one has almost 'photographic' papers of the icons of the 4 parks. I'm thinking you could use those for 'title' pages and then plainer papers for the filler pages. I'm going to the world this weekend will pm you, Michelle.

 

[LindaBabe]

bump - Michelle check your pm's !

 

[wtpclc]

I got a variety pack last tiem I was at WDW with stickers and papers fo all the parks. I'm sure you could get individual stuff too. I think there would be more indivisual stuff at the parks than DTD, but it's been a while for me.

As fr teh book, the triumph chest is quick and easy. I would not do teh stickey pages thing, as I think this is somethign that you will want later.

I wish I had been more into sb'ing when my dgm had alzheimers. That is a wonderful thing for you to do!