MEMORY CAFÉ SERVES UP REMINISCENCES FROM THE SIXTIES

Residents from a Plymouth care home took a trip back to the swinging ‘60s as part of a weekly project to support people experiencing memory loss.

The ‘Memory Café’ runs on Fridays at St Budeaux library and hosts activities including quizzes and puzzles, dancing and musical bingo and guest speakers.

“Our residents love their visit to the ‘café’,” said Freshfields activities co-ordinator Paul Hutt. “It’s the highlight of their week.”

“It’s such a simple idea, yet so effective. Looking at or handling objects from the past really helps to trigger memories and encourage conversations.

“We find even people who ordinarily speak very little day to day come to life and start chatting away about days gone by.”

The ‘Memory Cafe’ in the Victoria Road library provides support to anyone worried about memory loss and dementia and carers.

“Remembering the past can improve the present for people with dementia helping evoke and inspire their memories and imaginations,” added Paul.

“Listening to an old song or smelling an old brand of soap can help trigger a memory that they are then able to talk about.

“It’s wonderful to have such a fantastic resource on our doorstep.”

Paul says items from way-back-when including ration cards, ‘Dig for Victory posters’, and thrupenny bits are all popular talking points.

Swedish designed and purpose built, Freshfields in Agaton Road, Plymouth, is a specialist 38-bed dementia care facility overlooks the Tamar Estuary.