Creating Football Memory Teams: Development and Evaluation of a Football-Themed Reminiscence Therapy Program

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/TRJ-2020-V54-I1-9824

Keywords:

Dementia, heritage, older adults, recreational therapy, reminiscence therapy, sport

Abstract

Reminiscence therapy (RemT) promotes maintenance of memories associated with a meaningful aspect of an in-dividual’s life and is often used with individuals with de-mentia. For many people, attendance and participation in sports is a significant part of their life’s narrative. This study evaluated a sport-based RemT program using col-legiate football memories with residents with dementia in an assisted living facility in the immediate geographi-cal area of a university football program (Clemson Uni-versity, Clemson, South Carolina). Interviews, structured observations, and measures of cognition and quality of life were conducted to evaluate the program’s impact. Statistically significant improvements in quality of life were measured; however, no changes in cognition were evident. Qualitative results indicated the program creat-ed opportunities for learning and sharing of social mem-ories related to sport, establishment of group culture and traditions, and positive behavioral change. Recreational therapists can use this study as a basis to implement their own sport-based RemT program. 

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Author Biographies

Brent L. Hawkins, Clemson University

Assistant Professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson University

Gregory Ramshaw, Clemson University

Gregory Ramshaw, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management at Clemson University. His research focuses on the social construction and cultural production of heritage, with a specific interest in sport heritage. 

Taylor Hooker

Taylor Hooker, MS, CTRS serves as a Hospice Recreation Therapist within the Veterans Affairs medical system and was a research assistant on the project at Clemson University while pursuing her master's degree.

Katie Walker, University of Florida Health Florida Recovery Center

Katie Walker, MS, CTRS is a recreational therapist at the University of Florida Health Florida Recovery Center and was a research assistant on the project at Clemson University while pursuing her master's degree.

Published

2020-03-16

Issue

Section

Research Papers