Enhancing the wellbeing of older people

Collective Memories is a new organisation assisting families to support their older loved ones in aged care environments or in their home through a range of products that are tailored towards older Australians with and without dementia.

Sonya Shelton and David Lorimer, Co-Founders and Managing Partners of Collective Memories, came together to work on their new business venture after working in the aged care industry and developing a passion for providing meaningful experiences and activities to older Australians.

From the pair’s experience working in aged care, they both noticed a gap in the market for products that support and enhance the lives of older Australians.

Ms Shelton says, “I have been working in aged care for the past seven years and during this time, I have seen how connecting with my clients on a personal level is so important.

“For example, using our Collective Memories products to introduce something new to break routine such as an easy card game, large piece jigsaw puzzles not played since a child, or engaging in memory-based conversation through our memory photo album.

“I noticed when attending personal care services that some of my clients would struggle with buttons, zippers and shoelaces, so we have designed our own sensory fidget lap blanket, to assist with dexterity and fine motor skills, every square has a purpose and can provide hours of stimulation for someone with early dementia.”

The Collective Memories product range features personalised memory and activity gift boxes and an array of sensory, stimulation and activity products for people with and without early cognitive decline. 

Products have been based on the latest research and understanding of what would benefit people with and without dementia, and can help slow cognitive decline, improve memory function, and assist people in their daily lives.

Mr Lorimer explains, “Our items are designed to help ageing Australians live for today while remembering their past. 

“We wanted to ensure family members could engage with a loved one struggling with memory loss in a meaningful and constructive way, completing the 77 page Memory Album together over time does just this as they are reminded of happy memories. 

“It’s not just mental and sensory stimulation we feel are important areas, but physical exercise too. Our Therapy Hand Balls are an easy exercise tool for older adults who have limited energy, squeezing the balls leads to tension release, nerve stimulation, improved muscle strength and attention and focus.”

You can purchase the Collective Memories products individually or packaged in a personalised Memory and Activity Box. 

These boxes include the Memory Album, a fidget blanket, therapy hand balls, a jigsaw puzzle, large print find-a-word and crossword books, colouring in books and pencils, large print playing cards, notebooks, and four wall charts (including an ‘all about me’ chart, a ‘year of my birth’ chart, a family tree chart and an ancestral wall chart).

To find out more or to purchase Collective Memories products, head to the Collective Memories website. They deliver to Australia and worldwide.