Household objects from the 1940s to 1970s needed to help people with dementia

Home news

Sep 09, 2013

Kenilworth Grange is asking the public to help track down household items from the 1940s to the 1970s.

The items will be used in the reminiscence room to help prompt memories in people with dementia.

Activities coordinator Julie Packer said: “It is incredible how many memories are triggered by the sight of former household items such as ornaments, furniture, radios, crockery, records and clothing.

“For us as care givers this is invaluable, because we are able to learn a lot more about the person, their past and their interests and that helps us build genuinely individual care around each of our residents. This in turn keeps them active and engaged and helps to maintain life-skills.”

The reminiscence room, which is located in the specialist dementia suite of the home in Spring Lane, can be visited at any time by the residents.

Julie said they find it very relaxing:

“Anyone likes to be surrounded by the familiar but this is even more the case for people with dementia – it manages to be comforting and stimulating at the same time and it is an important part of enhancing their wellbeing.”

As the home has a wide age range of residents with dementia (the youngest in their sixties) the team are looking for any household items that cover the 1940s through to the 1970s.

Anyone with suitable items can contact Julie or her fellow activities coordinator Peter Marriott on 01926 680 638