Why Timing Is Everything

One of the most compassionate things we can do after a dementia diagnosis is capture memories early—while stories are still vivid, voices are strong, and reflections are rich. Creating a personalised memory capture toolkit ensures that life’s most meaningful moments aren’t lost as cognitive changes progress.

According to Advance Care Planning Australia, early preparation plays a vital role in safeguarding identity, supporting emotional wellbeing, and strengthening families during the dementia journey.

What Is a Memory Capture Toolkit?

A memory capture toolkit is a personalised set of tools, prompts, and materials used to:

• Preserve life stories
• Document emotional values and beliefs
• Support future care planning
• Build a legacy that can be passed on to loved ones

It can include both digital and physical tools, depending on the individual’s communication style and comfort.

Core Elements of a Strong Toolkit

1. Memory Prompts

Use the Family Legacy Series for structured, themed questions about childhood, family, relationships, milestones, challenges, and beliefs.

You can also use:

• Family photo albums
• Old letters or objects
• Music playlists to unlock emotional memory

2. Audio & Video Recording Tools

Platforms like Evaheld allow secure and guided recording of personal reflections, messages to loved ones, and stories. These can be uploaded to

Evaheld Legacy Vault for long-term storage and sharing.

You might also use:

• Smartphone voice memos
• Tablet video diaries
• Webcam interviews

3. Written Formats

For those who prefer writing:

• Journals
• Prompted notebooks
• Digital documents with photo integration

Written memories can be especially powerful for legacy letters, final messages, or blessings passed on through generations.

4. Creative Memory Activities

• Collages
• Scrapbooks
• Story maps
• Timeline drawings

These can be photographed or scanned and saved as digital legacy pieces, or kept as cherished keepsakes.

Resources from Dementia Support Australia and Nurse Info offer guidance for using creative tools in early and mid-stage dementia.

Building the Toolkit: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose the Right Format

Every person is different. Some prefer speaking, others writing, and some respond better to visual or tactile cues. Let the individual guide what feels natural.

Step 2: Start Small

Begin with short, manageable questions such as:

• “What’s one lesson you’ve learned about friendship?”
• “Tell me about your childhood home.”
• “What is your proudest achievement?”

Short audio or video responses can be saved to Evaheld for future sharing.

Step 3: Make It Routine

Incorporate memory capture into weekly routines. A “Memory Monday” or “Family Friday” session makes the process expected and comfortable.

Consistency helps establish emotional safety and encourages contribution even when energy levels fluctuate.

Step 4: Involve Family Members

Encourage children or grandchildren to participate by:

• Asking questions
• Contributing artwork or letters
• Sitting in during memory-sharing sessions

This intergenerational approach creates stronger emotional bonds and ensures the memory toolkit reflects the full richness of family life.

Online Will Blog explores how multigenerational legacy activities increase emotional wellbeing.

Why Early Is Best

Cognitive changes can be unpredictable. Capturing content early ensures:

• Accuracy: Fewer memory gaps
• Emotional depth: More nuance and clarity
• Greater autonomy: The person can direct how they wish to be remembered

The Advance Health Directive recommends early recording of values and preferences to support future care decisions.

Making It Dementia-Friendly

As memory fades, the toolkit can evolve:

• Use images with captions or voiceover recordings
• Switch to video prompts from family or carers
• Focus on storytelling through music or sensory items

Memory work doesn’t end when speech fades. It just changes form. Dementia Australia and Advance Care Planning Australia provide excellent guidance on adapting to later stages.

Integrating Spiritual and Cultural Content

Your memory capture toolkit can also preserve:

• Blessings or prayers
• Cultural songs and traditions
• End-of-life preferences
• Rituals important to the individual

This helps maintain spiritual integrity and supports personalised care in the future.

Evaheld Legacy Vault allows these reflections to be stored securely and delivered at meaningful life events.

A Toolkit for Carers, Too

Carers benefit emotionally from having a structured way to engage in meaningful conversations. It reduces guilt and helps them feel they are doing something deeply valuable for their loved one.

Professionals can support carers in building this toolkit. Nurse Info and Dementia Support Australia offer carer-specific strategies for memory capture and emotional support.

For the Sandwich Generation

Those caring for parents while raising children can use the memory capture process to bring generations together.

Some ideas include:

• A grandparent sharing advice to a grandchild on video
• Joint activities like creating a family tree
• Weekend family projects that double as memory preservation

The Evaheld blog features stories of families integrating legacy work into their everyday life.

Backing Up and Storing the Toolkit

All memory content should be backed up and stored securely:

• Upload to Evaheld
• Save a copy on a password-protected device
• Use printed formats alongside digital files
• Link to Advance Care Planning Australia preferences for seamless care coordination

Final Thoughts

Creating a memory capture toolkit before cognitive decline advances ensures that a person’s voice, values, and essence are preserved. It’s not about getting everything perfect—it’s about capturing what matters most, while there’s still time.

Through stories, songs, photos, and reflections, families can hold on to far more than memory. They can hold on to meaning.