Dementia & alzheimer’s reminiscence therapy: a heritage filmmaker’s journey
From Scottish heritage film to digital dementia therapy
filmmaker to dementia reminiscence therapy
I began my career from filmmaker, to dementia reminiscence therapy 36 years ago. I started documenting how people lived and worked in Scotland throughout the 20th century. These films captured ordinary life and work, home routines, skills and trades, communities and shared experiences that shaped memory and identity.
Over time, something unexpected happened. Our national and international viewers living with dementia began responding deeply to these Scottish heritage films. They recognised places, routines and ways of life they had not spoken about for years. Conversations restarted, mood lifted cherished memories and connection returned once more.
That discovery marked the beginning of what is now a world first digital dementia and alzheimer’s reminiscence film therapy, available 24/7. We have called our unique and validated reminiscence therapy for dementia “ A picture house of MY past memories”
Our Scottish heritage brand has world exposure
Our Scottish heritage film archive has extensive and diverse use on a world stage. We have also supplied clips through business sponsorship for Scottish education providing validated educational resources which are made available for every Scottish school. This is through our links with Historic Environment Scotland’s digital educational portal. We also supply clips under license to Getty images in America one of the worlds largest archive houses. Our footage has featured in 5 TV programmes for America and featured in 10 different TV inputs in the UK.
Our unique brand of content and its distribution on a world scale along with the endorsements should provide you with the assurance as to the effectiveness of our therapy for alzheimer’s and dementia.
As outsiders to dementia care our extensive research covered;
1. what dementia and alzheimer’s was
2. what reminiscence therapy was and should be
3. what current research was being done in the field nationally and internationally on dementia and alzheimer’s care
4. what digital resources were available 24/7
5. who were the leaders in dementia and alzheimer’s reminiscence therapy and what they say and do
6. what 21 century technologies were being used
7. what resources there were for people living with dementia etc.
What we have developed as heritage filmmakers and new kids on the block for dementia and alzheimer therapy is what dementia research suggests is required. To date no other digital validated, customised reminiscence film therapy is available and accessible 24/7. Our heritage clips brought memories back and also has world reach.
The weekly wash all done by hand up to the 1960s
Why reminiscence film therapy matters in dementia care
Dementia and alzheimer’s condition gradually disconnect people from the present. However, long term memories, especially from early adulthood, often remain accessible far longer than recent memories.
Carney Heritage Productions reminiscence film therapy works by taking people back to a time they can remember.
By using carefully selected archive footage, familiar language, and gentle prompts, this therapy:
• Improves mood and emotional wellbeing
• Encourages communication and storytelling
• Reduces agitation and anxiety
• Helps restore dignity and social value
• Strengthens the bond between the person and their carer
This is a non drug, non invasive therapy, suitable for use at home or in care settings. It helps people with the two conditions to find the places where their memories hide. Unlike other organisations that utilise film for dementia support we use our film making skills, our experience of dementia and our own content to customise our reminiscence clips especially for dementia and alzheimer therapy.
How heritage filmmaking became dementia reminiscence therapy
My heritage films documented everyday experiences such as:
• Workplaces and skilled trades
• Domestic routines like washing day or cooking
• Rural and urban community life
• Traditional tools, crafts and industries
These scenes mirror the lived experiences of many people now living with dementia.
By introducing each film personally, followed by carefully edited archive footage and a simple reflective question, the clips gently guide viewers out of their dementia state and back into familiar mental territory.
Each reminiscence therapy clip is:
• Introduced personally by Don in a relationship building manner on camera
• Created around recognisable lived experience
• Designed to spark memory, conversation and emotion
• Supported with comprehensive carer guidance and training to maximise the clips for each individual
Experience of musical therapy for people with dementia and alzheimer influenced our new dementia reminiscence clips
Benefits of our dementia & alzheimer’s reminiscence film therapy
Caregivers, families and professionals report consistent benefits, including:
• Improved communication and speech
• Longer periods of engagement and recognition
• Reduced distress and agitation
• Greater emotional connection with carers and family
• Increased confidence and sense of identity
For carers, the therapy also provides valuable respite, allowing moments of calm and meaningful engagement without medication.
A world first digital therapy available 24/7
Unlike traditional reminiscence approaches, this therapy is:
• Digitally delivered via secure online access
• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Accessible on any modern device
• Suitable for repeated viewing or looping
• Customisable by topic and duration
Clips can be used:
• One to one at home
• In care homes
• In hospitals and resource centres
• In group therapy sessions
Each clip includes carer support notes to help tailor and further personalise the experience to the individual.
Evidence, endorsement and professional support
This reminiscence film therapy has been:
• Endorsed by dementia care professionals
• Developed using academic research principles
• Influenced through my personal experience of and working with people with dementia and their carers
Research consistently shows that reminiscence therapy can improve mood, cognition and social engagement for people living with dementia.
Supporting dignity, identity and hope
Dementia does not erase a person’s life, experiences or value. Too often, individuals become defined by what they have lost rather than who they still are.
Our therapy is designed to:
• Restore connection with personal history
• Reinforce identity and self worth
• Offer hope for both the person and their carer
By revisiting meaningful moments from the past, people are reminded that their story still matters.
Explore our dementia reminiscence therapy clips
You can preview and purchase our digital dementia and alzheimer’s reminiscence film therapy clips online.
Each clip is low cost, immediately accessible, and designed to bring comfort, recognition and connection.
Take them back to a time they can remember — and help restore dignity, communication and hope.
Explore available reminiscence therapy clips today.
A tractor made from Maccano pieces
All our footage is customised for people living with dementia and alzheimer’s
. Our therapy also provides the carer with respite from the fear and hopelessness that dementia can create for them. They too can get some of their past life back also. They are suffering perhaps more than the person with the condition.
Our reminiscence therapy meets contemporary research outcomes and has impressive endorsements
As a retired academic I have applied the disciplines of academic research to the study of and status of dementia care. We realised that what we had researched and developed over three years was something of great significance for dementia and alzheimer’s care and support.
Our research covered;
1. what dementia and alzheimer’s was
2. what reminiscence therapy was and should be
3. what current research was being done in the field nationally and internationally on dementia and alzheimer’s care
4. what digital resources were available 24/7
5. who were the leaders in dementia and alzheimer’s reminiscence therapy and what they say and do
6. what 21 century technologies were being used
7. what resources there were for people living with dementia etc.
What we have developed as heritage filmmakers and new kids on the block for dementia and alzheimer therapy is what dementia research suggests is required. To date no other digital validated, customised reminiscence film therapy is available and accessible 24/7.
Impressive endorsements
Our intervention therapy resource has been endorsed by professionals in dementia care Our new therapy has been rigorously informed by evidence-based practices.
Designed to meet diverse needs, this customized dementia therapy can be applied in a variety of settings.
1. At home: Offering individual therapy in a comfortable, familiar environment.
2. Care homes and resource centres: Supporting group or one-on-one sessions.
3. Hospitals providing therapeutic interventions in institutional settings.
Whether used individually or as part of group therapy for dementia, the flexibility of our resources ensures it is accessible and effective across multiple contexts. We also provide comprehensive carer support and training notes on each clip. This provides the carer with additional resources to further develop more stimulation and related meaning for the people living with dementia and alzheimer’s.
We invite you to go to our shop and carer notes section . There you can get more details about what each clip contains. You will be able to view some of our related trailers for clips before you purchase.