Reminiscence sessions at Aliwal Manor Care Home are regular. They provide residents with the opportunity to look back at some of their favourite moments and relive memories from the past.
During the most recent session at the care home, the people living there were discussing trifles – a homemade cake that combines fruit, sponge fingers, cream, custard and a tipple of their choice. This was a really popular dessert throughout their lives and everyone seemed to remember enjoying the combination.
Team members joined in the discussion and named a number of different flavours that could be added to a trifle. They then encouraged the residents to vote for their favourites from those mentioned so Sarah, a Lifestyle Coordinator, could personalise a trifle making activity to their individual tastes.
Over the course of three days, residents took part in the trifle making activity. Firstly deciding their flavours, before making the trifle and enjoying it once set in the fridge on the third day.
Some of the members of the group hadn’t made them before, so the more experienced dessert makers were happy to share their tips. As they made their trifles, memories from previous moments were recalled and some of the secret ingredients they used to use were also mentioned.
When it came to piping the cream on top, the residents realised it was much like an art form. Some picked it up very quickly, but everyone had fun giving it a go! It was a new experience for others, showing in later life there are still opportunities to learn and try out new things.
Once complete, each trifle was topped with hundreds and thousands to add a bit of crunch and rainbow colour!
Everyone said they looked delicious and enjoyed tucking into them after dinner the following day. A true homemade delight for all!