Q: What does it cost?
A: The price is variable and depends on a number of factors. Call us and we'll be happy to discuss your situation and your needs. The price is comparable to that of a professional wedding video, but we're documenting a life, not just a single occasion. The completed life story involves 4 sessions with an interviewer trained to assess the on-going capabilities of the interviewee and a professional videographer and editor using professional equipment. In addition to the video, the DVD also includes a slide presentation of the photographs supplied by the family.

Q: Why four interviews?
A: Because of the special challenges associated with interviewing a client with Alzheimer's, it is our experience that an initial session is needed to simply establish a rapport and comfort level with the interviewer/videographer team. The three following interview sessions allow the interviewer to probe a wider range of topics without fatiguing the client, and, more critically, to return to a topic without frustrating them.

Q: Aren't these just home-movies?
A: No. Memories for the Telling uses professional quality equipment, and professional videographers and editors. Editing is particularly critical with an Alzheimer's patient, and it is done with care and sensitivity to showcase the person and their stories, not the disease. Also, the appropriate placement of photographs to illustrate stories as they are told takes time, attention and care.

Q: This is my family member. Why do I need an interviewer?
A. Precisely because the interviewer is not a family member. This is important because the client will be telling their stories to an objective "audience" without worrying about "getting their facts right". In fact, family member are not present during the interviews for just this reason. The interviewer, as someone who is hearing the stories for the first time, can also pursue additional details that a family member may already know and not think to ask.

Q: Do you only do life-stories for Alzheimer's patients?
A: Although we specialize in capturing the life stories of Alzheimer's patients, we also work with clients who simply recognize the importance of preserving their life stories. In fact, one family gave this to their parents as an anniversary gift.