Stepping into the TARDIS – Quorn care home takes a trip down memory lane

Home news

Mar 03, 2021

Residents at a care home in Quorn have taken a trip down memory lane as part of a nationwide initiative to rediscover their favourite foods from the past.

Care UK’s Lonsdale Mews, on Farley Way, hosted a Doctor Who-inspired event as part of their 50s, 60s and 70s era-themed celebrations which aimed to rediscover residents favourite foods throughout the decades.

Posing as Dr Who, Toby Sturgess, the home manager, kicked off the festivities by inviting residents to step into the TARDIS and travel back in time with him as they reminisced about major events from the past, with a little help from the home’s chef.

First stop was the 1950s, where residents discussed the Queen’s coronation while enjoying a variety of dishes from the era, including coronation chicken, trifle, Spam cobs and Victoria sponge. Footballs fans were then invited to share their memories of the 1966 England World Cup win, featuring both German and British treats, from beers to pasties. Finally, to end their journey back in time, everyone reminisced on the Silver Jubilee of Elizabeth II, which marked the 25^th anniversary of her coronation, with typical 70s food, from pineapple and cheese on sticks to profiteroles and chocolate fondues.

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.

Toby Sturgess, Home Manager at Lonsdale Mews, said: “We had a wonderful time dining through the decades and reminiscing about our favourite foods from the past – everyone here loves Dr Who, so this was a great way to kick off the festivities.

“Reminiscence activities have many positive effects for older people, particularly those living with dementia. Re-connecting with the past can improve mood, encourage communication and provide a topic and stimulus for residents to engage with.

“Everyone had a wonderful time chatting about their favourite foods, and it was wonderful to hear about everyone’s fond memories of major events from Britain’s history, from the Queen’s coronation to England’s World Cup win.”

As part of the project, Care UK has also teamed up with BBC’s Back in Time for… presenter and historian, Dr Polly Russell, to create a special tasting menu for residents to enjoy. Designed to be used as a sensory tool to encourage reminiscence in older people, the menu features iconic foods from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s, and has been used as part of an interactive storytelling session, hosted by Dr Polly, to encourage reminiscence.

Dr Polly commented: “I am delighted to have partnered with Care UK for this project. 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 food can be such a powerful tool for memory recall.”

Lonsdale Mews offers full-time residential, nursing and dementia care, as well as short-term respite. The home incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities and includes its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café. The layout of the building is configured into a series of individual suites, each having a dedicated lounge/dining room to help facilitate the creation of close-knit communities.

To find out more about Lonsdale Mews or to arrange a private viewing appointment, please call Customer Relations Manager, Jenny Cartwright, on 01509 801 587, or email jenny.cartwright@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