Bartlett’s Residential Home – Vintage Car Show at Peverel court care
Why?
Here at Peverel Court Care, we regularly arrange exciting activities for our residents to help improve their social, emotional, and physical health. This gives them the opportunity to meet and interact with new faces. Having the chance to socialise can help to improve social skills and behaviours, and reduce the feelings of loneliness.
To help stimulate memories and meaningful conversation, Bartlett’s Residential Home held their annual summer Vintage Car Show on 10th June. The goal of reminiscence-based activities is to help those with dementia feel valued, contented, and peaceful by recalling happy times from their past.
The positive feelings gained from sharing pleasant memoires can decrease stress, boost mood, reduce agitation and minimise challenging behaviours.
Having a meaningful life with strong relationships and purposeful activity is a central part of an individual’s identity. As people become more vulnerable and increasingly reliant on others it is vital that meaningful activity is supported in a way that helps them stay well and feel more satisfied with life, taking account of their personality and their history. Such activities are particularly important in a care home setting where residents have moved out of their familiar home environment, and can quickly lose their sense of identity and self-esteem, and become depressed.
Outcome
Residents and the team at Bartlett’s enjoyed a wonderful afternoon when a Classic Motor Club visited the home with an array of vintage cars. Our residents were eager to meet and talk with the owners of the cars, finding out more about the make and history of the vehicles.
Everyone enjoyed ice cream, tea, coffee, and cake while listening to our performer sing hits from the 50’s and 60’s in the warm summer sun. It was wonderful to see residents enjoy the event with their loved ones.
“It has been a beautiful day!” Helen said, as she sat beneath the trees, enjoying her ice cream! “There were many cars I haven’t seen before!”
Providing activities to evoke memories and reflection helps to give residents a feeling of security and comfort but Peverel Court is also keen to create new memories and opportunities for residents, enabling them to live stimulating and fulfilling lives. While moving into our homes is a new chapter for them, ensuring that our residents feel like they have a sense of purpose and like they are part of something special is so important. It was a memorable experience had by all!
Testimonials
Relative – Linda F:
“I just wanted to say a big thank you for the lovely event at Bartlett’s last Saturday. It was so well organised, even down to the fantastic weather. The lady vocalist does deserve a special mention.
It was lovely to be able to talk to other relatives and visitors again. I’m sure Mum would want to join me in saying how much we enjoyed the afternoon.
Thank you to everyone who helped to make the event such a memorable occasion.”
Resident – Denis J:
What did you think of the experience? “Fantastic! It was nice to see such a variety of classic cars. Some of them are nearly as old as me! [laughing] The weather was great, too!”
Would you like to experience it again? “Yes, I think I would! It was nice to be outside with my family.”
