Memory Catchers

Good Samaritan Hospice’s “Memory Catchers”
program takes advantage of recording technology
to capture patients’ memories on CD, in essence
creating an “audio scrapbook” of memories,
stories, thoughts and feelings that can be
treasured by family and friends for years to come.
Specially trained Good Samaritan Hospice
volunteers meet with patients to facilitate
the conversation and make the recording.
Recordings may be:

• Autobiographical – capturing
  highlights of a patient’s life.
• Story oriented – focusing on a
  particular significant story or event.
• Conversational – including other family
  members in a dialogue about significant
  events or in asking important questions such
  as: “What was the strangest experience you
  had on a family trip?” and “Tell me about
  your first car.”
• “Prop” focused – utilizing pictures,
  songs or objects with special meaning
  to generate a memory.
• “Ethical Will” – recording poignant thoughts
  and feelings such as: “This is what I love
  about you,” “This is what I want you to
  remember about me,” “This is what I am
  proud of about my life,” and even “This is
  what I regret about my life."

Story-telling can promote healing and a sense of wholeness.  Audio recordings also provide a living memory of the loved one's voice, something that is often profoundly missed.

There is no charge for this service, and patients may receive up to five copies of the CD free of charge.