Care home residents dine through the decades
Residents at a care home in Horsham welcomed a special guest for a tasty trip down memory lane.
Care UK’s Skylark House, in St Marks Lane, was joined virtually by BBC food historian, Dr Polly Russell, from ‘Back in Time for…’ for a live interactive food tasting session designed to transport residents back to their younger years.
Dr Polly has worked alongside Care UK chefs to create a unique reminiscence tasting menu as part of the Food for Thought initiative which sees care homes across the country celebrate their favourite foods throughout the decades.
Dr Polly said: “I had a fantastic time chatting to residents about some of their favourite foods throughout the ages. There really is something incredibly special about the way food can evoke memories and emotions, and it was wonderful to see everyone’s faces light up when they tried each dish.
“Just one flavour or smell can prompt a different memory and emotion for each individual, which is why a session like this can be so powerful.”
The menu featured iconic foods from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s which was designed to be used a sensory tool to encourage reminiscence in older people.
The home’s talented chef, Shaun Pattenden, prepared an array of bitesize delights from the menu, including kedgeree, prawn cocktail and black forest gateau, while Dr Polly talked through each dish’s history and encouraged residents to share their associated memories.
Dorota Woloszyn, home manager at Skylark House, said: “We loved meeting Dr Polly virtually, and taking part in the sensory reminiscence activity.
“We believe in the power of activity-based care, and we’re always looking for new and exciting experiences to promote wellbeing. Reminiscence activities can be extremely beneficial for older people, particularly those living with dementia, as long-term memory typically remains stronger than the short-term.
“Everyone had a great time dining through the decades and it was wonderful to hear residents share memories.”