News
Epping Seaside Garden Opening
Seagulls, sand and a large swim suited lady photo board behind which you can pose with your face peering through – “By the Seaside” a themed reminiscence garden at the Abbeyfield Care Home, Cunningham House in North Weald, was opened by local MP for Epping Forest, Eleanor Laing, on 27th May. Designed to improve quality of life by stimulating happy memories, the garden also includes a real boat, some realistic ‘sea’ and a beach hut. It’s development, secured with a grant from the local council, follows on from the success of another section of the garden opened last year, “The Hollywood Walk of Fame” with images of stars of yesteryear and the skyline of Hollywood that lights up at night time. Manager Rosemary Moor commented “Because so many remember happy days by the sea, we decided to develop a beach style garden area that offers stimulation of the mind and body and evokes memories from the past , thus improving the quality of life. It will increase sociability and will encourage physical activity and residents to spend time in the fresh air. This project will transport them in mind and memory to a time they can relate to and one that will allow self-expression and evoke fun and laughter. Abbeyfield’s Cunningham House is home to 29 elderly frail people in one unit and 25 people living with dementia in a second unit. Activities are arranged daily for the residents and there are opportunities to pursue hobbies and help with the gardening as well as enjoying the reminiscence gardens.
