Arbor Hospice’s 'Treasured Memories' Program Preserves Loved Ones’ Legacy on Film

Everyone has a story to tell – a tale of a heartwarming love story between a husband and wife, difficult times for a father during the Vietnam War or a great-granddaughter and great-grandmother’s generation gap. These are stories being told – not by a celebrity or dignitary, but from ordinary people like you and I.

These stories and many more have been captured on film through Treasured Memories, a free program that is offered to Arbor Hospice patients and their families.  Since July 2011, the wonderful volunteers at Arbor Hospice have worked with patients to recall specific moments on film, which are then shared with their loved ones.

The patient can be interviewed by a family member in the comfort of their own home. The filmed interview can last anywhere from 45 minutes to two hours, depending on what they have to say. Families have an intuitive sense of what questions to ask. Sometimes they ask about their work or childhood. Or, it could be a more in-depth question such as, “what do you think happens when you die?” Ultimately, the interview brings the patient and their family closer together and initiates a conversation that may have not happened.

Memories can fade through time as can the sound of a loved one’s voice. This program allows the patient’s memories and legacy to be kept alive for the family to treasure long after their loved one has passed.

Everyone has a story to tell. What’s your favorite story about a loved one?

For more information on Arbor Hospice or to volunteer, please visit www.arborhospice.org or email Gloria Danna Brooks at gbrooks@arborhospice.org.