Oct 2019
Athelstan House launches Reminiscence Afternoon Tea
Athelstan House held its first monthly reminiscence vintage afternoon tea in September
It is planned to hold this event every month and the purpose is to support the local community who have families living with dementia and to have some fun along the way. Some of our guests and residents dressed up in vintage hats, sipping tea from fine bone china whilst listening to music from the 40s and 50s and eating fabulous cakes handmade by Issy, one of our amazing volunteers. It was a huge success with everyone enjoying themselves and all looking forward to the next one which will be at the end of October.
Benefits for Individuals Living with Dementia
In many cases, recent memories deteriorate first for people living with dementia. By sharing memories from the past through reminiscence therapy, individuals can develop more positive feelings whilst reducing stress and agitation.
With minimal prompting, including simple questions, photos, songs or the beginning of a family story — individuals with dementia may recall memories from childhood and young adulthood. Reminiscing about memories can help people feel more confident in their abilities and provide them with the opportunity to talk about what holds meaning for them. In addition, engaging in conversation about the past can provide relief from boredom and symptoms of depression, and it helps preserve family stories for future generations.
Watch this space for details of the next afternoon tea – and for a new Reminiscence Therapy group.