Reminiscience Therapy

A unique experience in a vintage tearoom in west yorkshire transported me back to an age of what it must have been like in england during the 1920-1950's. I witnessed how the customers felt at ease when they walked in almost as though it was a meeting place of those who appreciated the vintage time capsule that this space offered. We started talking about the idea of for the vintage cafe but also went on to talk about the importance of people of older generations being able to return to familiarity; a time of great class, elegance which is often a therapeutic tool we use in occupational therapy for people who memory is impaired and struggle with orientating themselves in a world they find doesnt synchronise with their perception. Its a great place to come to absorb the energetic patterns of that period of time and to enjoy the music, food, vintage items and a period of history that sometimes seems long lost out of the popular imagination. This is also a shared experience for those in a group but its a venue for poetry readings and creative outlets for those who feel comfortable with the surroundings. Its exactly the context in which we often work with people of that era and to be able to experience it without going to having to set it up clinically is a great bonus.