Dining through the decades – Bromsgrove care home takes a trip down memory lane

Home news

Mar 03, 2021

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

Care UK’s Chandler Court, on Recreation Road, hosted a special 1970s-inspired event which aimed to rediscover residents’ favourite foods throughout the decades.

On the day, residents enjoyed a 1970s-themed menu specially prepared by the home’s chef, including prawn cocktail, oxtail soup, chicken Kiev, spam fritters and a black forest gateau to top it off. The team dressed in classic 70s attire and hosted a disco and quiz in the Chandler Arms, the home’s pub. Residents also created a special ‘flower power’ art display for the occasion.

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.

Dawn Covill, Home Manager at Chandler Court, said: “We had a fantastic afternoon stepping back in time to revisit the 1970s. In true 70s style, we enjoyed some of the best foods this decade has to offer and hosted a fantastic quiz, which provided a great opportunity for residents to share their own memories of the era.

“Reminiscence activities have many advantages for older people, especially those living with dementia, as it can support memory recall and encourage conversation, both of which can help the person to feel valued and remind them of their identity.

“Residents certainly enjoyed re-discovering some of their favourite foods from the past, and the activity has even inspired some new menu suggestions and requests. Our chefs are looking forward to recreating these on our menus and in the coming weeks for everyone to enjoy.”

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.”

Chandler Court is a state-of-the-art care home which provides full-time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short-term respite care. Designed to enable its residents to live enjoyable and fulfilling lives, the care home has its very own cinema, café and hair salon, and there is plenty of space, both indoors and out, for relaxation and recreation.

To find out more about Chandler Court, please call Customer Relations Manager, Paul Chambers, on 01527 907 849 or email Paul.Chambers@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