Program Information
Program Overview
This certificate program is designed to enhance the skills of staff working in day care centers in supporting elderly individuals as they share their life stories and memories. Life story work helps individuals recall past experiences, strengthening their self-awareness, self-esteem, and psychological well-being.The program provides the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for care staff to guide this process in a safe, respectful, and empathetic manner.
Course objectives
Understand the psychological, social, and cognitive impacts of life story and memory sharing for older adults
Develop skills to establish trust-based communication with clients
Strengthen empathy, active listening, and emotional awareness
Design group activities that support social participation
Learn techniques to stimulate memory and encourage recall
Gain hands-on experience in creating a life story or memory book
Definition and methodology
The program is delivered through an interactive and experience-based learning approach.
Participants receive theoretical instruction on the importance of life story sharing, followed by practical activities such as role-playing, case analyses, group work, and memory exercises using photographs and objects.
The learning process is participant-centered, experiential, and supportive of emotional awareness.
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of the program, participants will be able to:
Explain the psychological importance of life story and memory sharing
Establish trust-based communication with clients
Apply empathy and active listening skills effectively
Organize group activities that enhance social interaction
Identify and apply tools and methods that support memory recall
Create and guide the process of preparing a memory book
Weekly schedule
Duration: 4 Weeks – 4 Hours per Week (Total 16 Hours)
Week 1: Life Stories and Memory Sharing (4 Hours)
Theoretical Content (2 Hours)
Importance of life stories and building trust
Therapeutic effects of memory sharing: memory stimulation, morale enhancement
Connection techniques: open-ended questions, photos, music, and objects
Empathy and attention: respecting personal boundaries and privacy
Practical Applications (2 Hours)
Sharing life stories and giving feedback
Memory recall activities using photos and objects
Group activity: creating short stories or memory books
Week 2: Emotional Expression and Empathy Development (4 Hours)
Theoretical Content (2 Hours)
Definition and importance of emotional expression
Empathy and techniques for developing empathy
Psychological and social benefits of emotional sharing
Listening skills and recognizing non-verbal cues
Practical Applications (2 Hours)
Role-play: understanding each other's emotions
Creating short stories using emotion cards
Group work: empathy-based mini discussions and feedback
Week 3: Active Participation and Social Interaction (4 Hours)
Theoretical Content (2 Hours)
Importance of social interaction and its impact on quality of life
Methods to encourage participation: games, conversations, group activities
Mechanisms of social support and connection
Group dynamics and leadership roles
Practical Applications (2 Hours)
Group games: memory games, story completion
Mini dramas or short sketches for social engagement
Group discussion: sharing daily life experiences with feedback
Week 4: Memory Book and Memory-Enhancing Techniques (4 Hours)
Theoretical Content (2 Hours)
Benefits of creating a memory book: mental activity and recall ability
Memory-enhancing techniques: association, storytelling, visual tools
Social impact of regular writing and sharing
Applying learned skills in participants’ daily lives
Practical Applications (2 Hours)
Creating a personal memory book (photos, short stories, emotion notes)
Memory exercises: recalling past events and sharing with the group
Closing activity: planning how to apply learned skills in daily life and group activities
General course competences
Ability to empathize with elderly individuals
Emotional awareness and safe communication
Social interaction and group facilitation skills
Ability to plan memory-enhancing activities
Ethical sensitivity and privacy awareness
Effective listening, observation, and feedback skills
Literature and references
Butler, R.N. (1963). The Life Review: An Interpretation of Reminiscence in the Aged
Haight, B.K., & Webster, J.D. (1995). The Art and Science of Reminiscence Therapy
Woods, B. et al. (2018). Reminiscence Therapy for Dementia – Cochrane Review
Kitwood, T. (2019). Dementia Reconsidered: The Person Comes First
Coleman, P.G. (2011). Belief and Ageing: Spiritual Pathways in Later Life
Teaching and learning methods
Lecture • Presentation • Demonstration • Induction • Deduction • Analysis • Synthesis • Case Study • E-learning
Group Work • Discussion/Debate • Presentation • Book-Based Learning • Demonstration • Brainstorming • Case Study • Induction • Deduction • Analysis • Synthesis • Simulation • E-learning
Seminar • Presentation • Discussion/Debate • Brainstorming • Induction • Deduction • Analysis • Synthesis • E-learning
Certification
At the end of the training, you will be eligible to receive a certificate issued by IDEIS Training and Research Institute. Upon completing the training program, your certificate will be prepared in Turkish, English, and Dutch within 7 business days, available both as a physical and digital certificate/transcript. You will be able to download the certificate from the system or request a physical copy to be sent to an address you specify. If you request a physical shipment, an additional fee will be required. If the physical shipment is requested but not received and the certificate is returned to our institution, a fee will be charged for resending. Shipping fees may vary based on the participant's location. The rates of courier companies will be requested, and participants will be informed via email before the certificate is shipped.
Skills to be Acquired
The certificate you will obtain at the end of the certification program will significantly contribute to your professional development. Such training programs are considered supportive activities. You can add this certificate, which enhances your development, to your resume and utilize it in your professional career. Your certificate will be issued by IDEIS Training and Research Institute and will be accessible and verifiable through the system. Additionally, your certificate and transcript will be viewable in the system with a barcode.
Participant`s Profile
Employees, graduates, and students currently continuing their studies in relevant fields who wish to develop themselves personally and professionally can apply for the certified training program. Graduates of teaching and pedagogy departments, as well as associate and four-years bachelor's degree graduates in fields such as social services, psychology, sociology, psychological counseling and guidance, education, medicine, nursing, and child development, are eligible to participate in this program.
Participation Process
The certification program, organized by IDEIS Training and Research aims to contribute to your personal and professional development and includes the following steps:
You can apply for this certification program regardless of your country or location.
Applications that have not been properly submitted will not be accepted.
You can complete your registration process online.
Applicants are responsible for the accuracy of the information entered during the application process.
All information must be filled out accurately and completely.
Payments should be made to the specified bank account.
After the payment, a receipt will be sent to the email address you provided during registration.
You must write the name of the certification program in the description section when making the payment.
The delivery of lessons will be conducted either through an online or offline system, depending on the number of participants.
Throughout the training period, from start to finish, all course videos will be accessible 24/7, allowing you to watch them as many times as you wish, at your convenience.
After completing your registration, your username and password will be sent to you via SMS.
Post-program evaluations will be conducted either online or offline using methods such as project work, exams, multiple-choice tests, presentations, mutual report preparation with relevant institutions, and similar techniques.
The entire certification program, including the examination period, lasts for a total of 4 weeks.
You have two free attempts for evaluations.
Candidates who successfully pass the post-program evaluation will be eligible to receive the certificate.
At the end of the certification program, participants will be awarded a "Certificate Document."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it necessary to visit the institution either during the application process or after for the online training?
No, the online training program is conducted entirely online. You do not need to visit the institution physically for the application or any other processes. All procedures are handled through the online system.
Is access only possible via a computer?
No, you can access the system via a computer, tablet, or mobile device. The platform can be accessed with any device that has an internet connection. The application is also compatible with mobile devices.
How will I access the system?
Once you complete your registration, your username and password will be sent to you via SMS or email. You can log in to the website using this information, where step-by-step guidance will be provided from the login screen.
I cannot access the site; what should I do?
First, make sure you have entered your username and password correctly. If you have forgotten your password, you can use the "Forgot Password" option to create a new one. If the problem persists, please contact the technical support team.
I am experiencing difficulties logging in; the system does not accept my credentials. What should I do?
Ensure that you have entered your credentials correctly and paid attention to case sensitivity. If you are still unable to log in, you can reset your password using the email address registered in the system.
There is an error in my information. Is updating it sufficient?
Yes, once you have logged into the system, you can update your profile information. To correct any errors, simply access the profile editing page. Updates will be applied immediately.
Where can I access my courses?
Can I start with any course I want?
Courses are generally presented in a structured sequence that must be followed. However, some programs may offer flexibility between certain courses. It is best to proceed in the order specified by the system for optimal learning.
I have enrolled in multiple programs; which one should I start with?
If there is a priority order indicated among the programs you are enrolled in, follow that sequence. If no order is specified, you may start with the program that best suits your needs. As long as you have access to all programs, there will be no issues.
The videos on the system are not playing; what should I do?
Check if your browser is up to date and verify your internet connection. You can also try using a different browser.
Is it mandatory to watch the courses? Can I skip one or a few lessons?
Yes, watching the courses is mandatory. Completing the entire training program requires viewing all lessons. Skipping lessons may affect your eligibility to take projects, exams, or receive the certificate.
I have completed the lessons in the course package. What should I do next?
After completing all lessons, the projects or exams will become available. You must pass the project or exams to have your certificate issued, which you can then download from the system.
When will the project or exam become available?
The project or exam will automatically become available after you complete all lessons. Exam access will be opened by the end date of the program. You can follow detailed information on the system.
Until when can I take the project or exam?
The duration for taking the project or exam is defined at the beginning of the program and typically lasts for 8 weeks. You can take the exam within this period. The deadline will be clearly indicated on the system.
Where will I access the project or exam?
How are the project or exam conducted?
Projects or exams are conducted online. Depending on the program, the exam may be in the form of a multiple-choice test or a project assignment. The type and details of the exam will be explained in the system.
How many questions will there be on the project or exam?
The number of questions on the exam varies depending on the training program. Generally, the number of questions for multiple-choice tests is determined based on the scope of the program. The details will be provided on the exam information screen.
What is the duration of the project or exam?
The exam duration varies depending on the program content. You will be informed of the duration at the start of each exam. You must complete the exam before the time runs out.
What is the passing score for the project or exam?
A passing score is generally set at 60% or 70%, depending on the program details. The passing score will be clearly indicated in the exam instructions.
Do I have another chance if I fail the project or exam?
Yes, if you fail, you typically have two more attempts. You can retake the exam by meeting the conditions specified in the system.
Can I retake the exam to improve my score if I pass the project or exam?
Usually, you cannot retake the exam to improve your score once you pass. However, some programs may offer an additional attempt in special cases. Check the program conditions for more information.
Where will I find out whether I passed or failed the project or exam?
Your exam results will be displayed on the system after the exam is completed. You can find out whether you passed or failed in the "Results" section of the system. Notifications may also be sent via email or SMS.
How can I view my project or exam results and answers?
Course calendar
Week № | Content | Duration | Instructor |
1 | Life Stories and Memory Sharing | 4 hours | |
2 | Emotional Expression and Empathy Development | 4 hours | |
3 | Active Participation and Social Interaction | 4 hours | |
4 | Memory Book and Memory-Enhancing Techniques | 4 hours |
Instructor
IDEIS-Trainers
