A blast from the past

Published: 19-Jan-2018

Reminiscence room opens at dementia care unit in Sale

Fiona Gardens, Trafford Housing Trust’s extra care scheme in Sale, has opened a new Reminiscence Room aimed at people with dementia.

Transporting residents back in time, the facility replicates a 1950s living room and is designed to provide a familiar space where people living with dementia can relax and connect with the past.

Newly renovated; it features traditional items including a stereogram, sewing machine, typewriter and furniture donated by local residents.

Even the wallpaper has been aged to look authentic.

82-year-old resident, Joy Fawkes, said: “The Reminiscence Room is a nice place to sit and think. It reminds me of my childhood home.

“The radiogram brings back fond memories of the one which used to hold all my dad’s records.”

Rodger Cairns, assistant director of the trust’s independent living service, TrustCare, added: “We’re always looking at innovative ways to support our customers living with dementia and will be including a Reminiscence Room or area in each of our sheltered schemes over the next 12 months.

“The trust also plans to introduce Memory Cafés across Trafford as a welcoming space for people with dementia and their family and carers, while partnering with specialist dementia organisations to provide information about their services.

“We also offer GPS tracking monitors as part of our Alert and Response telecare service to provide peace of mind for friends and family of those living with dementia who are at risk of wandering.”

The Reminiscence Room is open to all 71 residents and their families as well as the local community, with plans to hold regular reminiscence sessions using stories, music and even smells from the era, such as popular ladies’ perfume.

A blast from the past

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