College Students Create Digital Memory Boxes For Care Home Residents

Hertfordshire-based college students have been visiting local care homes to create bespoke digital memory box keepsakes for their residents.

Residents from Martin’s House, Jubilee Court, Garden City Court, and Trembaths care homes were paired up with North Hertfordshire College’s Computing, Networking and Design students to discuss their key memories and stories.

Students then explored the best way they could use digital technology to showcase these memories whilst also being accessible and user-friendly. Music, sounds, illustrations, and photographs were used to represent residents’ memories to bring their stories to life.

North Hertfordshire College learners then returned to the care homes to share their digital memory boxes with residents and their loved ones.

Anna, one of North Hertfordshire College’s Health and Social Care tutors and trained Dementia Friend volunteer, held extra training sessions for learners taking part.

Anna helped students better understand old age and dementia, preparing students to adapt their communication style if needed and think about what they need to consider when creating their products.

Laura, who works in one of the care homes commented:
“This was such a lovely experience for our residents and they loved seeing their own memory box.”

“All the students were amazing, and they should be so proud of themselves and how well they communicated with our residents. My residents all commented about how great they were.”