Care home residents shop down Memory Lane

Innovative scheme launched at Willows Edge residential home

CARE home residents can relive their youth – in an on-site shop called Memory Lane.

The innovative idea has been launched at West Berkshire Council’s Willows Edge residential home in Hutton Close, Newbury.

The shop, built in the home’s conservatory, is modelled on a 1940s and 50s theme, and was officially opened by West Berkshire’s executive member for adult social care, Hilary Cole (Con, Chievely).

Memory Lane will initially open on three days a week with residents, supported by staff, serving behind the counter.

Willows Edge manager Jeanette Grant said: “The sugg-estion came from one of our community team workers.

“We started researching the era to create an authentic shop and have managed to beg, steal and borrow some fantastic items which really set the scene.

“One resident’s family even gave us a lovely old pair of scales with iron weights.

“The thought process behind the shop is that it will give residents meaningful roles and activities and will be both comforting and helpful to those who have dementia.

“People with dementia often return in their mind to the stage of their lives when they were happiest, which for a lot of our residents is the ‘40s and 50s.”

Mrs Cole said: “This is a unique and thoughtful project.

“To take a trip down memory lane is going to be both great fun and therapeutic too.

“Everyone would love to return to a time in their lives where they felt secure and happy and the shop is a lovely way to achieve this.”