Back to the 50s as Appleby House enjoys a blast from the past

Home news

Apr 30, 2012

Residents at Appleby House rocked the afternoon away in style with live music and innovative ‘reminiscence pods’ that capture the spirit of the era.

The fifties afternoon was a great hit, as staff joined in the fun by dressing in netted skirts, with bobby socks and big hair. Appleby House Manager Jeni Rushton said:  “The residents, relatives and team had a whale of a time. One of the pods was the back drop to a dance hall - the type many of our residents would have visited when they were young.

“The band were wonderful and everyone was up on their feet and dancing, even those with frames. Others joined in hand jiving and playing tambourines and maracas. We were also treated to some great jiving by the family of one of our residents.”

The second pod, a 1950s sitting room, was set up in the home’s activities room, along with a themed 1950s buffet which included spam sandwiches, milkshakes, ginger beer and cream soda.

Jeni said: “The reminiscence pod included an old television playing programmes from the 1950s, a radio, table, rug, standard lamps, newspaper and lots of bits and piece from the fifties designed to trigger memories.

“For people with dementia, triggering memories can be a great way of starting conversations and learning more about the person.  Our fifties day also gave lots of people lots of smiles and quite a bit of exercise!