Elder LifeStories Groups

I facilitate groups for residents in assisted living as opportunity for participants to share meaningful memories, stories and experiences from their lives. These groups create space where they can really be listened to and witness the sharing of others.   Reminiscing and sharing the depth of their lives is an opportunity for participants to savor what their lives have held, what they still hold and also to grapple with the pain, hardship and loss that life also holds. This is very real for these aging individuals who have lost loved ones, are no longer able to be in their homes or with family as often, and are no longer able to physically or mentally engage as they used to.  While sharing may begin with lighthearted memories, my facilitation and sharing from other group members allows people to also express what they miss and what brings them sorrow about how things have changed. The various strategies that different people use to be resilient and find support even within their challenges and losses are naturally elicited within these conversations and can benefit others as well. It is a comfort to find we are not alone in it all, especially amongst those who have been on similarly long life journeys.