ABSTRACT
An activity worker may be looking to revise an existing range of activities within a care setting, or to develop current reminiscence practice. Alternatively, carers within dementia units in homes or day-care settings may be looking to develop a daily programme of reminiscence-based activities. Managers of residential, hospital or day-care settings have the opportunity and responsibility to influence the standards of care provided by their staff group. Older people thrive emotionally, socially and physically in caring regimes that have a commitment to maintaining the uniqueness of individuals within institutional environments. Reminiscence groups run by only one leader have disadvantages for both group members and the worker. Without a co-worker, some situations in sessions become difficult or impossible to handle successfully. When thinking about the choice of group leaders there are advantages in considering various combinations. Group leaders need to choose either an open or closed reminiscence group.
