Thorrington care home welcomes special guest to dine through the decades

Home news

Feb 26, 2021

Residents at a care home in Thorrington welcomed a special guest for a trip down memory lane.

Care UK’s Silversprings, on Tenpenny Hill, enjoyed a virtual session hosted by BBC food historian, Dr Polly Russell, from Back in Time for… as part of a nationwide initiative designed to transport residents back to their younger days.

Silversprings’ talented chef, Paul Radford, prepared a special afternoon tea, including traditional sandwiches, Victoria sponge and macaroons, for residents to enjoy while Dr Polly took them through the delicious history of each treat. Residents also enjoyed discussing their favourite memories associated with the food.

The ‘Food for Thought’ initiative sees Care UK homes across the country take part in activities which encourage memory-sharing and the use of food as a tool for reminiscence.

In addition to hosting a session on the history of the afternoon tea, Dr Polly has worked alongside Care UK chefs to create a nostalgic tasting menu as part of the project, which features iconic foods from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s and is designed to be used as a sensory tool to encourage reminiscence in older people.

Dr Polly said: “I was delighted to partner with Care UK to create a reminiscence tasting menu, and I had a fantastic time hosting a talk about the history of the afternoon tea.

“There really is something incredibly special about the way food can evoke memories and emotions. Just one flavour or smell can prompt a different memory and emotion for each individual, which is why a session like this can be so powerful.”

Joanne Rix, Home Manager at Silversprings, added: “Residents had a fantastic time learning about this history of the afternoon tea, and trying each sweet treat as they learnt more about where it came from, as well as sharing their memories.

“Here at Silversprings, we believe in the power of activity-based care, and we’re always looking for new and exciting experiences to promote wellbeing. Reminiscence activities can be extremely beneficial for older people, particularly those living with dementia, as long-term memory typically remains stronger than the short-term. Drawing on strong memories helps to boost confidence and provides an opportunity to re-live happy times, which can prompt conversation and evoke the associated emotions.

“Everyone had a great time dining through the decades and it was wonderful to hear all about the fond memories the activity prompted residents to discuss.”

Silversprings is a modern care home which provides full-time residential and dementia care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has a choice of lounges and dining rooms, along with facilities such as an activity room and hair salon.

For more information on Silversprings, please call Customer Relations Manager, Lisa O’Sullivan, on 01206 809173, or email lisa.osullivan@careuk.com  

To find out more about Care UK’s partnership with Dr Polly Russell, and for more top tips on how you and your loved ones can get involved at home, visit careuk.com/food-for-thought

If you’re looking for more information about nutrition for older people, download our guide to ‘Eating as we age’ here: careuk.com/care-homes/eating-as-we-age