Leaving a Lasting Impression Through the Senses

Legacy isn’t only what we say—it’s what we feel, touch, smell, and hold dear. For people living with dementia, sensory experiences can evoke powerful memories and emotions long after words begin to fade. That’s why creating sensory legacy items while recognition remains strong is one of the most meaningful ways to preserve connection, identity, and joy.

As a dementia care expert, I’ve seen how sensory items become treasures—for the person with dementia and for their family. Whether it’s a handwritten recipe card, a familiar jumper, or the scent of a favourite lotion, these items transcend memory loss and become enduring emotional anchors.

Why Sensory Legacy Matters

In the early stages of dementia, individuals often still enjoy:

• Recognising meaningful objects and textures
• Participating in legacy projects
• Associating scents, sounds, or tastes with specific memories
• Helping to decide what they want to pass on

Creating sensory legacy items at this stage allows them to choose what represents them, ensuring emotional dignity and personhood are preserved throughout the journey.

What Are Sensory Legacy Items?

Sensory legacy items are physical or digital keepsakes that:

• Stimulate the senses (touch, smell, sound, sight, taste)
• Connect to memories, traditions, or cultural practices
• Provide comfort and emotional reassurance
• Serve as a tool for connection during late-stage dementia
• Help family members preserve a tangible piece of their loved one

Examples include:

• A well-worn cardigan that carries their scent
• Audio recordings of familiar prayers or songs
• Textured photo books or memory albums
• Heritage recipes written by hand or spoken aloud
• Voice messages with signature phrases or jokes

Benefits for Individuals and Families

Creating these items early:

• Encourages meaningful participation
• Reduces anxiety by reinforcing routine and familiarity
• Strengthens intergenerational bonds
• Offers comfort in times of distress or hospitalisation
• Preserves sensory connection long after verbal recognition fades

Many families describe these items as heirlooms of the heart.

Starting With the Person

Begin with gentle prompts:

• “What fabric, object, or smell reminds you of home?”
• “Would you like to record a message using your favourite saying?”
• “Is there a photo, sound, or keepsake you want your grandchildren to have?”
• “Can we write down or film you making your favourite dish?”

Use tools like Family Legacy Series for structured storytelling prompts, and Evaheld to securely record and store the results.

Types of Sensory Legacy Items to Create

1. Touch-Based Items

• A well-loved jumper or scarf
• A soft cloth book with textures and family photos
• Quilts made from old clothing
• Tactile memory boxes with objects from important life events

2. Scent-Based Keepsakes

• A bottle of perfume or aftershave they used to wear
• Herb sachets from their garden
• A recipe spice blend used in a beloved family dish

3. Sound-Based Memories

• Voice recordings of familiar sayings or nicknames
• Audio of family laughter or old home videos
• Favourite music or hymns uploaded to Evaheld’s digital vault

4. Visual & Written Legacy

• Handwritten notes, letters, or ethical wills
• Colour-coded photo albums

Personal videos describing items in their home or stories behind heirlooms

Including the Person in Creation

This step is essential while recognition is strong. Encourage the individual to:

• Choose which items they want to preserve
• Reflect on the meaning or story behind each item
• Record short explanations or blessings
• Personalise items with names, dates, or messages

This gives them control over what becomes part of their enduring identity.

Involving the Whole Family

Creating sensory legacy items can become a treasured family activity:

• Children can help decorate or assemble legacy boxes
• Grandchildren can ask questions or assist with recording
• Spouses or siblings can reflect together and share stories
• Families can set aside a weekend to create video letters or gather important items

These shared moments often become just as meaningful as the objects themselves.

How Sensory Legacy Supports Late-Stage Dementia

As verbal communication fades, sensory legacy items offer:

• Comfort through familiar textures or scents
• Emotional grounding during transitions or hospital visits
• Opportunities for carers to engage in personalised ways
• Reminders of identity and connection even when words are lost

They also serve as calming tools during agitation or disorientation.

Storing and Sharing Items Safely

Use platforms like Evaheld to:

• Digitally record and label each item’s meaning
• Upload audio, video, and photos for private access
• Share messages with specific recipients, now or later
• Maintain backup files alongside Advance Care Planning documents

For physical items, store them in labelled memory boxes or safekeeping containers that are accessible but secure.

Supporting Carers With These Tools

For carers, especially those in aged care or hospital settings, sensory legacy items:

• Offer cues for person-centred interaction
• Reduce reliance on medication by promoting comfort
• Help staff understand personal history and preferences
• Offer a deeper connection to the person behind the diagnosis

You can also print out a brief guide to each item—why it matters, when to use it, and how it supports calm.

Where to Find Support

Access help from:

• Nurse Info for sensory and emotional dementia care
• Advance Care Planning Australia for end-of-life integration
• Evaheld Blog for sensory memory project inspiration
• Family Legacy Series for reflection guides
• Online Will Blog for practical planning ideas

In Summary

Memories aren’t only kept in our minds—they’re woven into the scent of a pie, the feel of a jumper, the sound of a familiar laugh.

By creating sensory legacy items while recognition is strong, you ensure your loved one’s essence is preserved—beyond memory, beyond words.

With tools like Evaheld, your family can capture these legacies now—so they can offer comfort, identity, and connection for generations to come.