‘Antiques Roadshow’ expert Christopher Payne visits Carebase homes
BBC’S ‘ANTIQUES ROADSHOW’ EXPERT CHRISTOPHER PAYNE
AWARDS BROOKLANDS FIRST PLACE IN THE ‘MAKING A DIFFERENCE CHALLENGE’
Residents and staff at Brooklands Care Home, Norwich, have worked together to celebrate life and memories for Carebase’s ‘Making a Difference’ Challenge. The competition, which was judged by Christopher Payne, Presenter for BBC’s ‘Antiques Roadshow’, came to its conclusion at an awards ceremony on April 21st, where Brooklands picked up first place for its Reminiscence Activities.
Each care home worked to create an activity or project that inspires reminiscence in its dementia residents, resulting in an improved quality of life. “It was an extremely difficult decision to make because the standard of entries was high with no shortage of effort and enthusiasm,” says Christopher.
Mel Barker, Unit Leader at Brooklands Care Home, has coordinated the project with staff members, residents and their families. “We started the project with blank maps of Norfolk, the UK and the world. Residents and staff have marked where they grew up and this has inspired a wealth of conversation about each other’s cultures and childhoods,” explains Mel. “The furthest resident is from Canada and the oldest from Norfolk and staff members herald from as far afield as India, Sri Lanka and the Philippines.”
Another part of Brookland’s reminiscence project has been the transformation of one of the dementia unit’s communal areas into a ‘Snoozy’. Kitted out with an old-fashioned fireplace, hat stand, Victorian mirror and gramophone, residents are able to relax and reminisce together about the good old days. “The residents have collaborated to make a rag rug to furnish the Snoozy and a memory chest full of mementos has sparked many hours of reminiscence. Through talking about past experiences, we have learnt about our residents’ hobbies and passions,” says Mel. “A spirit of enjoyment can be felt throughout the home and the ‘Making a Difference Challenge’ has brought lots of fun and laughter to the residents and staff alike.”
“Brooklands’ Snoozy is a fantastic legacy for the care home’s community to enjoy for years to come. The commitment shown by staff to inspiring reminiscence in the home is admirable,” adds Christopher, “And the maps are a great talking point!”
The Brooklands staff and residents have enjoyed a positive experience whilst taking part in the ‘Making a Difference Challenge’, which has highlighted the importance of reminiscence to the care home’s dementia residents’ quality of life. First place success was celebrated at the awards ceremony with champagne, homemade fruit punch and nibbles.