Memory Fairs at CLS Care Homes

CLS Care Homes throughout the North West hosted memory fairs, celebrating the lives and memories of their residents and neighbours, as part of Dementia Awareness Week. Each memory fair took residents, visitors and staff on a different route down memory lane with highlights including celebrations of local history and the 1940s, as well as holidays, ‘baby days’ and wedding themed events. The events raised £700, which was donated to the Alzheimer’s Society and a comfort fund for resident activities.

At the fairs, residents and visitors were invited to write down their fond memories from years gone by, which were pinned onto special ‘memory walls’, along with photographs and treasured items from the past, for everyone to enjoy. Local historians and friends of CLS homes brought along artefacts from the past, ranging from old toys and games, and household items to objects associated with local industries such as mining and even WW2 military vehicles.

Research has found that reminiscence therapy, the act of talking about memories, is particularly beneficial for people with dementia. Using visual items such as photographs and familiar artefacts helps to trigger memories in a way that is often taken for granted.

Managing Director of CLS Care Services, Robert Black, heads up the CLS residential care homes located throughout Cheshire, Warrington and Wigan. He comments on the success of the memory fairs: “It was great to see so many members of the local community turn out to support the memory fairs. Residents enjoyed talking about their memories with guests, sharing tales of childhood, family life, the 1940s and the Women’s Land Army. Remembering and talking about good times and proud moments in our lives is important. It helps us all to reflect on our lives and connect with the people around us. It also becomes more important to us as we get older.”

A charitable organisation, CLS Care Services is one of the largest providers of residential care for older people in the North West. It is also a recognised leader in dementia care with a number of its homes operating households that provide specialist care for people with dementia. Reminiscence therapy is a prominent feature of the weekly activities at each CLS home. Dedicated Activity Coordinators receive specialist training in how to tailor activities to suit the needs and interests of older people, and people with dementia.

Warrington home, Holcroft Grange held a Coronation Street-themed memory fair.