When a senior moves to an assisted living, then typically they are downsizing from their existing home and one of the problems with downsizing is the challenge to not clutter the smaller apartment or room at the assisted living facility, but at the same time you want to help your loved one to preserve as much memories as possible, but without taking up a lot of space and a great way to do that is by making use of Memory Boxes, especially for storing important memory items such as precious heirlooms.

Think of a memory box as a keepsake, which will help your loved one to remain connected to the memories of the past while at the same time maintaining a clutter free room or apartment at the assisted living community.  It is also a great idea for you to work on a craft project with your loved one as it help you guys to bond as you make new memories and reminisce about the past.  For more senior living tips visit Fort Lauderdale Assisted Living Site.

Get All The Materials Together

The first thing you will need to get is a small box to get started, then get some art supplies that you may have lying around the house along with any treasured heirlooms, necklaces, pins or pictures. Don’t forget to include your loved one in the project so ask them if there are any specific items that they may want to have placed in the memory box.  A good suggestion that you may want to think about is cutting small pieces of fabrics that they will leave behind from items such as pillows or curtains.  Also see if the assisted living facility will allow your loved one to have markers, pens, tape, scissors and glue, so they can work on a craft project in their spare time.

Memory Box Personalization

Make sure that the memory box showcases your loved one’s personality and creativity since the box will contain their memories.  Here are a few ideas to help you decorate the exterior of the box:

• Make their photos into a collage
• Include a small piece of fabric from their favorite piece of clothing
• Gems and beads from old pieces of jewelry
• Favorite sayings and quotes
• Lyrics from some of their favorite songs
• Old letters

Constructing a memory box is one of the best ways to assist your aging parent that is residing in an assisted living to remain connected with their memories of the past and it also gives you the opportunity to see the world from their eyes.  As you will get the opportunity to see a glimpse of what their past was like growing up and they will have many old stories to tell you.  And with you having this information about their past, this will allow their legacy to live on even when they are gone.