Trip down memory lane for care home residents (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Trip down memory lane for Middlesbrough care home residents

5:13pm Tuesday 5th March 2013 in News By Graeme Hetherington

RESIDENTS suffering from dementia are being taken on a trip down memory in an attempt to keep their minds active.

Parkville Care Home has created an old fashioned shop window along with bus stops and posters to help give the residents something to talk about and keep them engaged.

The shop, named Emerald Stores after the ground floor Emerald unit where it is based, features old-fashioned items like carbolic soap and egg powder.

And residents in the care home on Walpole Street, Middlesbrough, have given it the thumbs up.

“I remember all of it,” said Betty Clarke as she walked along the corridor. “I used to work in the Co-op on Acklam Road where we used to sell all of these things and 99 tea bags were one of the best sellers.”

Mary Blair added: “It reminds me of going shopping when I was a young girl, it’s really good to walk down here and have a look.”

The shop was built by the care home’s handy man Ged Wentworth and all the staff got involved scouring charity shops looking for vintage goods to stock the shelves.

Damien Hunt, who has been the centre manager since December, said: “I think the street just gives them something to talk about – it brings back so many good memories for some of them.

“The residents love it and when I see them smiling it makes it all worthwhile. It was a real team effort and everyone should be proud of the street.”

Mr Hunt aims to make the Prestige Care group home a centre of excellence in care, particularly for residents with dementia.