Memory Lane just a step away

Home news

Nov 26, 2008

When The Willows residents want to walk down Memory Lane, they don’t have far to go - it’s right there outside their door.

In a novel project aimed to jog memories and stimulate conversation, our staff have created themed walls crammed with pictures all down the corridors.

Dozens of wall to ceiling high quality photographs of football, fishing, and the movie stars of the 1920` and  30`s are already a talking point, with the aim being that every corridor of our home will be telling its own themed  story about the past.

Centre manager Michael Cave, activities co-ordinator Anne Marie Johnson and handyman Roland Patterson are responsible for the on-going make over which is already a huge talking point.

Michael said: “We wanted to stimulate people and get them involved in conversation. It’s a really important part of what we do in terms of helping people with dementia to enjoy their lives. We obtained the pictures from a variety of sources, and it has been amazing what an impact they have. You can hear residents chatting about the images and old memories suddenly come alive

“A picture of Newcastle United`s legendary Malcolm McDonald so incensed one  resident he stormed into his room and got a whole lot of memorabilia about Middlesbrough. He was, he told us in no uncertain terms a `Boro supporter and always will be!

“We’re now planning to get residents to help us create a railway room.”