ABSTRACT
Life story work can function in a number of ways to improve self-esteem. This chapter examines the role that knowledge of the individual's life story plays in therapeutic activity with older people, across all settings, but particularly with those who have memory problems. Life story work is an important activity, not just for the older person, but also for staff/volunteers who work with them and for family carers. Best argues that the use of a biographical approach is 'imperative' in assessing the needs of an older person. The greater the knowledge and understanding that we have of the individuals that we work with, the more we will be able to deliver care and services that are tailored to that individual, rather than being tailored broadly to older people in general. One participant from a training course summarised this as 'more effective communication between service users and day centre staff'.
