Memories of Christmases past brought to life in Hamilton care home’s sensory room

The room on the Strathaven Road home's dementia unit is adorned with paper chains and features the sights and smells of Christmas gone by, with the scent of oranges and a Christmas tree decorated with traditional tinsel and baubles.

Resident, Drina Adams, 88, was thrilled to hang an angel on the tree that she’d had since her children were little.

“I could see from her expression she remembered it from when her children were growing up,” said Unit Manager, Kerry McTaggart. “The day she hung it on the tree was a good one for her. You could see the glint in her eye, and she was in such a good mood.

“Many of the 36 residents in our unit have quite advanced dementia and rather than the more modern designs elsewhere in the home, we wanted to create decorations that meant something to each and every one of them. We’ve used tinsel because as well as being something they would have all had on their trees, it’s feel and rustling sound adds to the sensory experience.”

Abbeydale Court is a purpose-built luxury care home which offers dementia, nursing, palliative, residential and respite care for up to 109 residents. It opened the sensory room in April to offer its residents with dementia a cosy, lounge-like space to enjoy.

“It’s really come into its own for the festive season,” added Kerry. “We play carols in there because the residents seem to really like hearing young voices singing. We’ve made paper chains with them, which many of them did with their children, so it really taps into their happy Christmases memories. We see such a change in the residents when they’re in the room, sitting enjoying the fairy lights glinting off the tinsel.”

Resident, Isabelle’s four sisters come to visit her and have seen the impact the room has had for her.

“We love how traditional the decor is and reminiscing on what Christmas trees looked like back in the day,” said her sister, Helen. “This means a lot to us, and to Isabelle as she is able to see and feel the decorations. She’s unable to verbalise how she is feeling but we can see the smile on her face.”

The staff have also brought memories of Christmas to residents who are unable to go to the sensory room. Eleanor Ballantine, 80, is cared for in bed and has a small tree next to her that’s been in her family for years.

“It’s a bit the worse for wear,” said Kerry, “but the team here have brought bits for it to make it pretty. Eleanor was laughing, she was so thrilled to have it near her!”

Local businesses have donated balloons and decorations for the unit’s five Christmas trees. Staff have also held a Christmas jumper day and a Christmas pyjama day.

“As a family we were so delighted to take part in the PJ day,” said Kate Quinn, whose father, Arthur, lives at the home. “It was really nice for Dad to be involved in something that was so ‘visual’ for him and he genuinely demonstrated that he felt actively involved and included.

“He was happy and smiling and his grandson loves the fact that his Granda dressed up in his Grinch clothes. Dad's whole demeanour and body language communicated to us that he was having fun and enjoying this brilliant activity.”

The sensory room was where festivities kicked off on the big day, with hot chocolate and cookies before a nostalgic Christmas lunch of turkey with all the trimmings.

“Many of the residents here have family members that live some distance away and they can’t always be here on Christmas Day,” said Kerry. “We open the presents they’ve sent with the residents and it’s a truly wonderful time. It’s a privilege to spend Christmas here, I love it.”