Care home residents hop on a time machine to a 1950s style café

A care home in Bradford has revamped their dining area into an American-style 1950s café.  Chosen by the residents, the café's design is part of a reminiscence therapy project that is helping the home’s dementia residents to reignite memories from all those years ago!

Reminiscence therapy at Mill View

Mill View Care Home has been carrying out reminiscence therapy projects for a number of years now.

Reminiscence therapy is specifically designed for people with dementia and encourages them to recall happy memories from the past.  The therapy involves creating stimulating environments that prompt memories of bygone days.  It also encourages residents to share their memories with others as if they had just happened.  Learn more about reminsence therapy.

The care home allows its residents to suggest ideas for environments they would like to see. The most recent addition was the 1950s café after 50 residents voted for this retero-style theme to be introduced into the care home.

Another key aim of the new café is to encourage the residents’ families to come to the care home and spend time with their loved ones. This helps Mill View to achieve a strong community spirit and creates a vibrant place for the residents.  Community involvement is so important for care homes and makes a huge difference to the wellbeing of carers and residents in a home.

The Mill View Story

Many of the nostalgic projects at Mill View are inspired by the home manager, Tee Tatum. In 2005, Tee’s husband was taken ill and she became his full-time carer, a life-changing event that kindled her desire to get involved in dementia care.  In her words ‘I was originally drawn to dementia care because of the tangible impact one can have in making somebody’s life the best it can be.’

It is clear that Mill View and provider, Anchor, have really innovated in providing reminiscence therapy for their residents.  The staff have taken each project from concept to completion which has only been possible through their passion and determination.  They’re an asset to social care.

Looking ahead

Already Mill View are thinking about the next nostalgic project. They have proposed a purpose-built pub in memory of a much-loved resident.  A truly heart-warming idea that reflects the homes mission, ‘those receiving care need to feel engaged, supported and worthwhile and made to feel their life is still worth living’.

For more information about the Anchor and their nostalgic projects at Mill View care click here