A MEMORY quilt has helped North Yorkshire care home residents reminisce, share stories and celebrate friendships during a nationwide arts initiative.
Residents at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, on Randolph Street, Saltburn, created the patchwork of memories as part of Arts in Care Homes, organised by NAPA (National Activity Providers Association).
The theme for this year’s event was “Stories That Connect Us”, so Hazelgrove Court residents used the opportunity to recall some of their favourite moments for inclusion in the quilt.
They took part in a series of reminiscence sessions, where they looked through photographs and newspaper clippings, before deciding on what to include.
Among the images featured on the quilt was a photograph of a cardboard ice cream van created by residents and staff. The van was designed to fit over a wheelchair, with now retired staff member Val Brown serving ice creams to residents.
Resident Joyce Tibbett, 90, said: “This brings back some very funny memories.”
Various knitting initiatives were also included, when they produced blankets and toys for an assortment of charities over the years, as well as fundraising days and other arts and crafts activities.
Residents also compiled a list of people and organisations they have connected with, including Youth Focus, the Veteran Friendly Framework, the Stella Project, Huntcliff School and Carebark Therapy Dogs.
Those relationships were not only included in the quilt but also brought together through a series of storyboards and booklets.
The project also prompted residents at the Hill Care Group care home to reflect on a year-long focus on tongue twisters and creative language activities.
Residents and staff created individual tongue twister stories based on their interests, experiences and connections, reflecting their love of art, music, crochet or walking, among other contributions.
The home also hosted a “Stories That Connect Us” event, inviting family members, friends, community partners and local organisations to visit the home, view the displays and enjoy coffee and cake with residents.
Visitors were able to watch a video message from Alan Dunn, who worked with residents on tongue twister activities. For those unable to attend in person, the home offered a virtual tour.
Resident Sheila O’Neill, 86, said: “I loved reading my tongue twister story to my daughter Bridget. It was about my love of crochet.”
Barry Taylor, 86, added: “I love telling people about the tongue twisters and listening to them read them.”
Anita Johnson, 76, described the event as “wonderful”.
Sharon Lewis, activities coordinator at Hazelgrove Court Care Home, said: “This year’s theme really resonated with our residents because it gave them the chance to share stories, memories and experiences that are important to them.
“Creative activities like these give residents an opportunity to talk about what matters to them, celebrate their interests and spend time with other people who share those connections.
“It was wonderful to bring together so many of the people and organisations we have connected with over the years and to celebrate those relationships at our Stories that Connect Us event. The day was a real success and there was a fantastic atmosphere throughout the home.”