'Portal to the past' aims to help sufferers

DECOR at the Oldham memory room, including a black and white television

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A NOSTALGIC memory room has been opened to provide residents with dementia the best quality of life possible.

Thought to be the first of its kind in Oldham, the 1950s-inspired room was launched for residents living with dementia to help trigger old and new memories.

The new room at Trinity House in Godson Street - an Extra Care housing scheme run by Oldham Council ­- is decorated to replicate a home dating back more than 60 years.

It features a black and white television, newspapers from yesteryear and a record player sounding out familiar music as well as other memorabilia.

Effort
Described as "a portal to the past", the room is designed to help people living with dementia to relax and feel comfortable in safe surroundings.

It is estimated there are around 2,520 people diagnosed with dementia in Oldham and that the number will rise by two thirds by 2030.

Councillor Jenny Harrison, Cabinet member for social care and safeguarding, said: "Dementia is such a difficult condition for those who have it and it's heart-breaking for their families and carers.

"We must do everything we can to help those with this cruel condition have the best quality of life they can.

"That's why I'm so impressed with this memory room. The amount of time and effort that has gone into it is remarkable and if this gives someone just one precious memory back then it has been well worth it."

Donations of both old artefacts and money from staff, residents, Oldham Masonic Hall and Horton Lodge have helped to put the time-warp room together.

Independent living flats at Trinity House are occupied by residents with some care and support needs who are invited to use the new space.

It is also available to anyone affected with dementia in Oldham and the local area, though booking is required.

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease became the leading cause of death in England and Wales for the first time in November, according to Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures.

NHS Digital figures released in December indicated a "progressive increase" in the prevalence of recorded dementia between March and November 2016.

Oldham Council intends to set up more of these memory rooms within Extra Care schemes in the borough in efforts to support those with dementia.

To book the nostalgic room contact Jodie Ashton on 03701924286.

Support the memory room with a donation to Housing and Care 21 on 0345 604 4447.