Writing Life Histories is a practical handbook which gives clear guidance on how to put together life histories in supportive or residential settings.

It provides:

• step-by-step guidance
• ideas for different types of life histories
• activities, strategies and material for prompting memories
• helpful tools and writing tips
• suggestions for support and forming partnerships with other local services
• ideas for involving the person's family and friends
• discussion on ethical issues to be considered.

The benefits of engaging a group or an individual in life history activities include:

• an aid to memory
• creative stimulation
• a personalised identity when in a residential home
• promotion of interaction and co-operation with others
• continuity with previous life experience thus combating loss of identity as well as an excellent opportunity to pass on knowledge and experience to others.

For staff knowing about past experiences will promote an understanding of behaviour, needs and outlook on life resulting in more personalised care. Staff have references for conversation with cognitive impaired individuals and knowledge about life accomplishments which promotes respect for individuals. This is an indispensible resource for anyone interested in compiling life histories including nurses, residential home staff, carers, tutors and occupational therapists, group facilitators in day centres, clubs for the elderly or learning disabilities.

About the Author
Robin Dynes is the Social Inclusion Officer for Skills & Learning in his local authority. His main role has been to develop an innovative outreach curriculum that is accessible and meets the needs of people with disabilities, older people and others who are vulnerable The aim is to ensure that people with disabilities have equal opportunity and an active and fulfilling role within the community. To do this he has formed partnerships with day centres, residential homes, social work teams, primary care, special schools, employment agencies, probation, elderly clubs, churches and other providers of services within the borough. The partnerships work together to support the health and wellbeing of the community. He also advises and contributes to the disability awareness and qualification training programmes for adult learning staff and tutors and the other agencies involved. In the past Robin has managed a mental health day centre, worked in a multi-purpose day centre, a number of psychiatric hospitals and is a trainer and counsellor. He is the author of a number of books including Writing Lie Histories, The Reminiscence Puzzle Book, Memory Games for Groups, The Non-Competitive Activity Book, Creative Games in Groupwork, Creative Writing in Groupwork, Anxiety Management, Positive Interaction Skills, The Memory Box and The Group Leader's Toolkit.


Book Information
ISBN 9780863888267
Author Robin Dynes
Format Paperback
Page Count 258
Imprint Speechmark Publishing Ltd
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 907g