The Memory Cafe at South Africa Lodge
The Memory Café at South Africa Lodge now boasts a huge collection of memorabilia that are enjoyed by our residents. The vast majority of the collection has been put together by John Ward, whose wife was cared for by South Africa Lodge for many years before she passed away, and Gary Brown, whose mother was also cared for at SAL. Both Gary and John have volunteered their time and have created an amazing collection.
The benefits of memory triggers are well known and can help reduce anxiety, help individual’s to recall their past and their identity as well as create a stimulating memory and sensory experience for all those involved.
As we can see in the various pictures, there really is a wealth of material on display. Currently the Memory Café is open every day for visitors, friends or relatives who wish to take their relatives in to the café and staff also engage with residents in the Cafe at various times of the day. There is now a coffee morning every Wednesday which is well attended. Sweets are sold in the café - all the old favourites of the pick and mix type - the ones this generation used to eat years ago!
Solent Radio were so impressed with the Memory Café that they came to interview John and Gary and Jacqui, the service manager, on 15th March.
The plan is for the Memory Café to be open to the local community so that they too can bring their relatives to enjoy a wonderful trip down memory lane.
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