We go back in time with our new reminiscence room

Home news

Apr 25, 2013

Riverside now has its very own time machine to transport residents back to the 1940s and 1950s at the flick of a switch.

An old bar area, which was not often used, has been converted into a retro reminiscence room. These types of rooms are created to be full of familiar household objects – such as a television, radio and newspapers, as well as period furniture and wallpaper and they have proved invaluable to carers and activities coordinators as they help residents to recall memories and feelings from their past.

Riverside activities coordinator Holly Wainwright, who helped to create the room, said: “It is a wonderful place and feels as if you have just stepped back in time when you turn on the lights.

“We found a wireless that works, a very old vacuum cleaner that is made from wood, an old typewriter and camera and, in two large picture frames, we have displays of wartime publications and documents such as ration books, ID papers and recipes including dried egg.”

There are also large canvases with the lyrics of popular songs, comfy retro style sofas and period style lighting and ornaments.

Holly said: “It is a very peaceful room and we have found that many residents like to come down and read a book here or meet with a friend in the evening.”