Memory Box - Media Project

    There are many things in our life that motivate us, keep us happy and at peace. Two of those variables are our memories and our independence. The client I was assigned has Multiple Sclerosis and it is not surprising that her maintaining her memories and regaining her independence was top priority – it would be mine as well.

    My client has expressed interest and concern in a few areas. She loves to craft, and she enjoys sewing. She has a lot of trouble with LE dressing and is starting to lose her memory. She would like to maintain as much independence as possible, as well as keeping her memory intact. My client is currently in an acute care setting where she is very weak. The item I was given for this project was an empty tissue box of any size. I was digging into ideas that will allow her to feel accomplished while in a very weak state, but also something that will make her feel closer to her goals.

    I came up with the idea of an intervention with my client that will ease her mind about the fear of losing her memory, but also incorporating something that she loves – crafting! The decision was to craft up the empty tissue box as a memory/memoir box for her. This will not be very taxing on her body, so she will not have to worry about wasting much energy on it, and it is cognitively stimulating with the aspect of crafting (which she loves). In this box, I would recommend she takes photos from some of her happiest and best memories, or even small trinkets to put in it with a small description of where it was, who was there and what she loved most about that memory. (The photo below contains pictures from my personal memories for the sake of the project)

Below are some of the steps I went through to craft this memory box: 

1. Obtain tissue box and empty it out. 
2. Cut a portion of the front tab and then cut along the top part of the box to make a “top” for the box that will open and close.
3. Decorate and personalize the box as you please!
4. Use a hole punch on the front tab and bottom tab. This will allow a string or ribbon to be placed through it in order to tie it closed.
4. Place your memories in! I recommend labeling on the back of photos or attaching a sticky note to your memories for easy reflection. 

    My biggest takeaway from this activity is that as a future Occupational Therapy practitioner, creativity is at the core of our practice. The way we approach our therapeutic services is always open minded with the notion that we can adapt anything to benefit our client. I felt empowered knowing I was able to create something inexpensive and mold it to my specific client to be a tool for the betterment of her overall health. We always have the ability to create!