Residents at Alex Wood House care home in Cambridge have had a wonderful time reminiscing, thanks to the Royal Mint Museum’s ‘Museum in a Box’ project. This time, the care home chose to borrow the Decimalisation Box, bringing back memories of the significant monetary changes that took place in 1971.
Home Manager Julie Fuller shared, “Our residents really enjoyed the Queen’s Jubilee Box a couple of years ago, so we decided to try the Decimalisation Box this time.
“We are always on the lookout for something new or different for our daily lifestyles sessions. It has been a wonderful opportunity for reminiscing.”
The interactive nature of the box allows residents to handle real and replica coins, sparking conversations about their past experiences. A small purse filled with pre-decimal coins helped residents recall fond memories of childhood events, such as receiving pocket money from parents, the excitement of finding a coin from the tooth fairy, or even the tradition of placing a coin into the cork of a celebratory bottle.
Coins have played a significant role in everyday life, and this activity allowed residents to reflect on their past. Many recalled the times when coins were placed in Christmas puddings for good luck, thrown into wells to make wishes, or used for decision-making by flipping heads or tails. Every coin holds a unique story, and the residents eagerly shared their own personal connections with these pieces of history.
The Museum in a Box is designed to be more than just an educational tool; it is a sensory experience. The collection contains twelve objects, including a replica medal, a miniature Shove Ha’penny Board, and a 1953 Coronation Crown. Each object is fitted with a microchip that, when placed on the accompanying electronic box, plays an audio clip providing historical context and storytelling.
The Royal Mint Museum’s reminiscence project aims to support positive well-being for those in residential care by offering stimulating and engaging activities. Care homes across the UK can borrow these boxes to run reminiscence sessions, allowing residents to interact with a piece of history in a meaningful way.
For the residents of Alex Wood House, the experience has been a heartwarming journey through time, offering laughter, nostalgia, and shared stories.
The importance of reminiscence activities
Reminiscence activities play an important role in enhancing wellbeing and can be beneficial in a variety of different ways.
1. Stimulates memory – Encourages recall of past experiences, helping to maintain cognitive function.
2. Enhances wellbeing – Brings joy and comfort through positive memories.
3. Encourages social interaction – Promotes conversation and strengthens bonds with fellow residents and caregivers.
4. Boosts self-esteem – Allows residents to share life experiences, fostering a sense of value and purpose.
5. Improves communication skills – Helps those living with dementia or cognitive impairments to express themselves.
6. Provides sensory stimulation – Handling familiar objects and listening to associated sounds enhances engagement.
7. Connects generations – Creates opportunities for meaningful discussions with team members and visitors.
8. Encourages participation – Offers a structured yet enjoyable activity that residents can actively engage in.
9. Preserves cultural and personal identity – Helps residents maintain a link to their past and shared traditions.
By incorporating reminiscence activities like the Museum in a Box, Alex Wood House provides enriching and meaningful experiences that contribute to the overall happiness and engagement of their residents.
