People With Dementia Travel to 1950s at English Senior-Living Homes

Between two English senior-living homes runs a stretch of businesses right out of the ’50s—somewhat literally.

The UK’s Daily Mail reports on Memory Lane, which consists of buildings built to look like they’re from the 1950s and that contain artifacts from the era. Memory Lane includes a post office, pub and small grocery store. The manager of the company that runs the two homes, whose residents include people with dementia, told the paper:

‘It is really important for those with dementia who are mobile to have a destination. They can visit the pub or the post office – this makes it a walk with a purpose, which is so important.

‘When they are there they can look at the memorabilia. Our staff can then start a conversation about it with them.’ …

Research in 2009 by Exeter University found that chatting with peers about the war years caused those with dementia to experience an average of 12 per cent boost in their ability to remember.

Memory Lane may remind you of the more elaborate community-from-the-past near Amsterdam that we talked about here. Places like this do exist in America too. To explore dementia-care options in your area, click here.

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in health and aging issues. She covers finding and paying for senior care for OurParents. If you have any questions about this post or need help finding senior-care options for a loved one, call 1-866-483-4896 to speak with a care advisor in your area.