Copthorne care home residents take a trip down memory lane with special dining experience
Residents at Care UK’s Francis Court enjoyed their 1970s-themed dinner party
Francis Court resident Anne enjoying the 1970s dinner party. Image: Care UK
Submitted by Emma Horner
Residents at Care UK’s Francis Court in Copthorne, in West Sussex took a trip down memory lane thanks to a nationwide initiative to rediscover their favourite foods from the past.
The care home on Borers Arms Road, hosted a 1970s-themed dinner party as part of their celebrations which aimed to rediscover residents favourite foods throughout the decades.
At the dinner party residents were treated to a prawn cocktail starter, bacon suet pudding, black forest gateau dessert and a glass of Babycham to wash it all down with.
The aim of the food and drink was to encouraged residents to reminisce about their younger years and share their memories with others.
Following the meal, residents got the chance to pick their top movies from the era to watch that evening, including the classic film, Saturday Night Fever.
The ‘food for thought’ initiative sees Care UK homes across the country take part in activities which encourage memory sharing and the use of food as a tool for reminiscence.
Anna Allen, home manager at Francis Court, said: “We had a fantastic afternoon stepping back in time to revisit the 1970s. In true 70s style, we hosted a dinner party, which provided a great opportunity for residents to share their own memories of the era.
“Reminiscence activities have many advantages for older people, especially those living with dementia, as it can support memory recall and encourage conversation, both of which can help the person to feel valued and remind them of their identity.
“Residents certainly enjoyed re-discovering some of their favourite foods from the past, and the activity has even inspired some new menu suggestions and requests. Our chefs are looking forward to recreating these on our menus and in the coming weeks for everyone to enjoy.”
As part of the project, Care UK has also teamed up with BBC’s Back in Time for… presenter and historian, Dr Polly Russell, to create a special tasting menu for residents to enjoy.
Designed to be used a sensory tool to encourage reminiscence in older people, the menu features iconic foods from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s, and has been used as part of an interactive storytelling session, hosted by Dr Polly, to encourage reminiscence.
Dr Polly said: “I am delighted to have partnered with Care UK for this project. There really is something incredibly special about the way food can evoke memories and emotions. Just one flavour or smell can prompt a different memory and emotion for each individual, which is why food can be such a powerful tool for memory recall.”
Find out more about Care UK’s partnership with Dr Polly Russell, and more top tips on how you and your loved ones can get involved at home here.
