Care home residents have been transported through ‘five eras in five days’ thanks to an idea from the care team to reminisce with residents about ‘the good old days.’
Following the success of the recent ‘Holiday Cruise’ week, which saw residents ‘visit’ five luxury holiday destinations, staff at Hambleton Grange care home in Thirsk decided to replicate the themed week but with a new and fun twist to travel ‘Through the Eras’.
Throughout the week, residents were thrilled each morning to wake up and find their home had been transformed into a scene from the 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s, with handmade decorations to match. The team organised traditional meals from the eras and the daily activities and entertainment were centred around the decade, such as the end of the war, Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation, the introduction of household appliances and England winning the world cup.
The team also chose to dress up each day in homage to each era, which was a hit with residents who gave them fashion tips and even wanted to join in and dress up too.
Staff used residents’ #thisisme life history booklets to identify any key activities and themes for the week that would be personal to the residents. One resident stated in her booklet that she was a huge QUEEN fan so, of course, famous music from the band such as ‘We Will Rock You’ was incorporated in the agenda for the 70’s day!
Resident Caroline Graham said: “I don’t know where to begin - this week has been incredible! The team have gone above and beyond for us. We have had so many exciting things to do. I loved learning how to jive again and had so much fun jiving with the staff at our milkshake dance – I think the entertainers were very impressed with our moves! It has been great to revisit the good old days, we have all had a blast!”
Lifestyle Manager Linzi Williamson said: “We have all had such a wonderful time this week, being able to ‘go back in time’ and find out more about life during each decade was excellent - we have heard such brilliant stories. It’s been fun planning each day and to have had such fabulous feedback from our residents and their families makes it all the more rewarding.”
Hambleton Grange, operated by Ideal Carehomes, is a residential and dementia care home boasting an art gallery, hair salon and spacious lounges.
https://www.idealcarehomes.co.uk
