PEOPLE LIVING with dementia in Oldham can now return to yesteryear in a nostalgic 1950s-inspired room which helps trigger old and new memories.
Thought to be the first of its kind in Oldham, the memory room is decorated exactly as a home would be over sixty years ago.
It is located at Trinity House on Godson Street – an Oldham Council Extra Care housing scheme which is independent living flats for people with some care and support needs.
The room is full of 1950s memorabilia and decor; including a black and white television, newspapers and posters from yesteryear and a record player playing familiar music.
The time-warp room helps people living with dementia relax and feel comfortable through triggering memories from their past.
Cllr Jenny Harrison, Cabinet Member for Social Care and Safeguarding, said: “Dementia is such a difficult condition for those who have it and it’s heart-breaking for their families and carers.
“We must do everything we can to help those with this cruel condition have the best quality of life they can.
“That’s why I’m so impressed with this memory room. The amount of time and effort that has gone into it is remarkable and if this gives someone just one precious memory back then it has been well worth it.”
The room was made possible through donations of both money and old artefacts from staff, members of the public and Oldham Masonic Hall and Horton Lodge.
It is available to anyone affected by dementia locally and can be booked by contacting Jodie Ashton on 03701 924286.
For more information on dementia and the support available locally for those affected, email donna.atherton@ageukoldham.org.uk or call 0161 622 933. Alternatively, call in at Age UK on Lord Street, Oldham.
Donations for the memory room are still being accepted by Housing and Care 21. Call 0345 604 4447 or drop in directly at Trinity House.
The plan is to set up more memory rooms in other Extra Care schemes in the borough. For more information on Extra Care housing contact Maggie Lucas on 0161 770 1280 or maggie.lucas@oldham.gov.uk
