Christmas past is key to unlocking today's festive fun for Pinehurst residents

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without all the traditions and trimmings especially for people living with dementia for whom past memories are so important which is why Pinehurst Care Centre in Crowthorne is creating a nostalgic Christmas for its residents.

“People living with dementia struggle to remember what’s just happened but don’t have a problem with long-term memories, that makes Christmas extra special for them because there are lots of strong feelings attached to the festive traditions and customs. Reminiscing about past Christmases helps trigger happy memories, so we sit and chat to our residents about the special things they did at Christmas in their own homes and then we try and do what they used to do,” explains Lynne Cotterell, manager of Pinehurst Care Centre.

The count-down to Christmas at Pinehurst will include wrapping presents, writing cards, making table decorations and mince pies, and decorating the trees, which the residents always enjoy getting involved with. “They love to help make decisions about what to put where, and it’s important that they feel included and can contribute in their own way whether it’s offering advice or hanging the baubles – familiar everyday things like that all add to the fun,” says Lynne.

To add to the festive mood, there will be a Christmas party on 6 December, and Christmas carols sung by pupils from Eagles House Prep school on 8 December and the 1st Crowthorne Beavers on 18 December.

“Events are an important part of life at Pinehurst – activities make all the difference to people’s quality of life and how they feel, especially when music is involved and they can sing along and tap their feet. Having fun, relaxing and socialising help people feel better,” says Lynne.

Pinehurst’s favourite traditions for Christmas Day itself are a glass of sherry, turkey with all the works for lunch, watching the Queen’s speech followed by present giving with Santa and then a film.

Pinehurst Care Centre is located on Duke’s Ride in Crowthorne, with 47 bedrooms offering a friendly, family environment for persons over 65, including specialist dementia care. Pinehurst is part of the Forest Healthcare group of homes, which includes 12 individual homes throughout the South East of England. For more information on Pinehurst, please visit www.foresthc.com or call 08444 725 177.

ENDS

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