Ashford care home welcomes special guest to dine through the decades

Home news

Feb 05, 2021

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

Care UK’s Montfort Manor, on Kennington Road, 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.

Montfort Manors’s talented chef, Anna Sudak, prepared a special afternoon tea, including traditional sandwiches, Victoria sponge and scones, for residents to enjoy while Dr Polly took them through each treat, it’s delicious history and residents were encouraged to share their associated memories.

The residents also took part in fun quiz about the 1980s, while enjoying popular treats from the time, including black forest gateau, as part of their themed celebrations which aimed to rediscover residents favourite foods throughout the decades.

The ‘Food for Thought’ initiative sees Care UK homes across the country take part in activities throughout January 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 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.”

Cheryl Shorter, Home Manager at Montfort Manor, 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 and shared their memories.

“Here at Montfort Manor, 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.”

Montfort Manor is a purpose-built care home which has been designed to enable residents to live active and fulfilled lives, while also promoting independence. The home provides full-time residential, nursing and specialist dementia care for older people in Ashford, and incorporates space for hobby and leisure activities, including its own cinema, hairdressing salon and café.

To find out more about Montfort Manor, please call Customer Relations Manager, Nicola Young, on 01233 884 619 or email nicola.young@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