The day couldn't have been better for our visit to the National Trust Sudbury Hall and Museum of Childhood yesterday; the sun was shining brightly and the wind, though chilly, kept at bay as our residents made their way into the museum. We had plenty of blankets for the occasion, too! Accompanying staff members were Kath, Ken and Barbara, who enjoyed the minibus journey immensely. We were ready for an afternoon trip down memory lane...
Sudbury Hall is currently closed to visitors as staff members and volunteers prepare the venue for Christmas. The 17th Century hall is getting ready to sparkle in time for the festive season, and we can't wait to see pictures of it in all its glory. However, we'd come to take a look at the collections of old toys and games in anticipation of our December theme of childhood, playfulness and imagination. Ken, Barbara and Kath were looking forward to reacquainting themselves with some of their favourite nicknacks from years gone by - and we couldn't wait to facilitate those discussions.
Though those living with dementia often struggle to make and maintain new memories their recollections of childhood and young adulthood usually remain, buried not too far below the surface of their personality. They don't only revisit memories, but experience those memories as if they're happening now. This can make it appear that our residents are occupying distorted timelines. They'll talk about their careers, parents and early years as if they are living those moments now. A visit to a venue such as Sudbury can be a great way to unlock those memories, stimulate discussion and find out more about our residents. This reminiscence therapy is a means to engage with each person on an individual basis, and provide lighter moments during what can be a very confusing and anxious time for them. Ken, Barbara and Kath are experiencing different stages of dementia. Staff members were keen to make sure that each was able to take something special and enjoyable away from the day trip.
The Museum of Childhood boasts eight galleries including an outdoor adventure gallery featuring Victorian toys and games; a work gallery demonstrating some of the jobs that children would have held many years ago; a toys gallery with a vast array of wonderful toys from every era; a home gallery that turns three themed bedrooms on their heads - quite literally; a school gallery with a vintage schoolroom; a project gallery housing new items and themed displays, and a stories and imagination gallery where dreams are housed and inspiration is born. The museum is a wonderful place for children to learn about the past and to allow their imaginations to run free. It is also a fantastic venue for those who would have lived very different childhoods to the ones we experienced...
Barbara was so excited to be at the museum; "I've always wanted to come here, but we could never afford it," she remarked. The first gallery, which featured outdoor toys such as skipping ropes, jacks, bicycles and pushalong toys was a great start. Barbara and Ken were particularly animated, while Kath chuckled at enrichment coach Alex as he attempted to use the diablo following a few years' sabbatical. The residents identified toys and belongings they'd had as children, and enjoyed input from the staff members - many of us had toys that are old enough to be included in the museum!
The second floor featured bedrooms from three different eras that had been recreated on the ceiling. This was a little disorientating at first, but Barbara marvelled than she'd been able to get up to bed without using stairs. The residents' were alive with conversation, which was wonderful to see.
The second and third floors were wonderful too, with so much to look at. Barbara and Ken became particularly animated and chatty. These kinds of reactions are what we had hoped for; just as our postcard appeal during the summer heightened nostalgia and inspired conversation, our residents found much to talk about.
The museum is relatively spacious and bright, which was perfect for those in wheelchairs. However, by far our biggest takeaway from the trip was the passion and warmth of the staff members and volunteers that we encountered. Everyone we came across took the time to chat to (and not over, or about) our residents, and engaged with them in a way that some might find difficult. Volunteers discussed the exhibits and asked questions, as well as offering advice about how to get around and what to see. They were calm, helpful and patient; one gentleman went out of his way to share pictures of a teddy bear collection belonging to a family member, simply to inspire a new layer of conversation. The people we met were a credit to Sudbury, and the work of the National Trust.
Dementia therapy can take many, many forms. The activities that work for some of our residents won't always work for others owing to the varying degrees of dementia that they display. However, we found that all of those accompanying us to Sudbury Hall and The Museum of Childhood were able to take something away from the trip, proving that such therapy can be achieved. A gentle stroll through the galleries had given our residents some wonderful reminders of their childhoods and early adulthood, and inspired discussions with staff members that will enrich their interactions from now on. It is wonderful to have had those experiences together.
We will certainly visit Sudbury again, although we may wait until the weather is a little warmer and we can make the most of the outdoors spaces too. We are working with the staff at Sudbury to enhance the experiences of visitors with dementia (and their friends and family members), and hope that this will mean many more wonderful days out for our residents, and those like them.
Keep up the good work!
- Louise, Marketing Assistant
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