Care Group Launches ‘Through the Decades’ Initiative to Enable Residents to Relive Cherished Memories
Residents rolled back the years at a South East care group to mark the inauguration of ‘Through the Decades’ – an initiative launched to help the older generation relive some of their most iconic and cherished memories.
With the music rocking and costumes at the ready, residents across the group of Nellsar’s homes in Kent, Surrey and Essex took a trip down memory lane to the 1950s – when many residents were in their teenage years enjoying a disco – or two!
Residents and staff at Nellsar’s Meyer House Care Centre in Erith, Lukestone Care Centre in Maidstone, and Princess Christian Care Centre near Woking, were just a handful of homes that embraced a decade remembered by many with nostalgia.
Dubbed ‘Through the Decades’, the first of several themed days at Nellsar, staff pulled out all the stops to ensure residents were able relive their younger days in style, with Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly and The Everly Brothers all making a musical appearance.
To commemorate the era of rock ‘n’ roll, jukeboxes, drive-in theatres and the introduction of television, 50s themed music and entertainment were provided as residents engaged in fancy dress, watched some all-time classic movies and shared cherished photos from the era. In addition, 1950s delights such as spam fritters, baked Alaska and tinned fruit with evaporated milk were enjoyed across the care group’s homes.
Viv Stead, Recreation and Well-Being Manager at Nellsar, said: “Our residents have seen an incredible amount of history transpire in the past two years alone, so we thought it appropriate to remind them of happier and younger times. Let’s face it, it’s been a difficult period for everyone and how better to raise spirits than give our residents the opportunity to reminisce about the good old days! Our ‘Through the Decades’ initiative offers no pressure or rules, just a welcomed nostalgic distraction. Our first stop in the booming 1950s was a great success. Everyone embraced the yesteryear culture and we had so much fun across our homes.”
Doreen, a resident at Nellsar’s Meyer House, said: “The staff always put so much effort into what they do. The way they decorate the home is amazing and so much thought goes into it. The entertainment is always good, and we always have a good singalong and a right old laugh. I really cannot fault anything, it’s just perfect!”
While fellow Meyer House resident, Joan, added: “I really had a lovely time on our 1950s day. I’m a big Elvis fan so I had a good singalong with my friends. The team makes everything so special for us and they work so hard planning and decorating, but are always happy and cheerful. I love our special days and am looking forward to the next one.”
Nellsar’s ‘Through the Decades’ initiative will continue to dedicate a day each month to the celebration of each decade, with the 60s and 70s due to make an appearance in the coming months.
