Reminiscence room decorated with objects from the past

Home news

Mar 13, 2014

Following a request in the local media, a new reminiscence room recently set up by activities co-ordinator Jackie Toolin, has been slowly filling up with a variety of household objects and memorabilia going back to the 1940s.

The idea came about when Jackie created a trolley, show-casing items from the past – such as a ration book, flat iron and miner’s lamp in an attempt to prompt memories in people with dementia.  The trolley proved a big hit with the residents and also assisted the carers who devise care plans around people’s history and interests.

A parlour-type room has now been created and residents can sit and relax by themselves or chat with their carers, friends and family.

Items kindly donated so far consist of a china cabinet, weighting scales – complete with weights, brass pots, a sideboard, a radio and a possing stick!  For those too young to have heard of a possing stick, (also known as a washing dolly) it’s a long stick, like a stretched out cricket bat which women used to stir clothes around and beat the dirt out when they were doing the laundry!  It was arduous work, mainly reserved for heavier items such as sheets and blankets – a far cry from today’s modern washing machines!

Jackie commented:

“Everyone likes to be surrounded by the familiar, but this is even more the case for people with dementia – it manages to be comforting and stimulating at the same time and it is an important part of enhancing our residents’ well-being.”