Care home opens vintage sweet shop to bring back memories for residents

A CARE home has opened its own vintage sweet shop.
Field View Care Home handyman resident Sylvia Churchill in the sweet shop.Field View Care Home handyman resident Sylvia Churchill in the sweet shop.
Field View Care Home handyman resident Sylvia Churchill in the sweet shop.

Field View Care Home, in Blackhall, recently finished work on the shop and celebrated with a grand opening for residents and their families.

Residents and guests were invited to try their hand at popcorn and candy floss making and treat themselves to a variety of traditional sweets.

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Joanne Rossiter, marketing administrator at the home, said: “The launch event was brilliant, we had a good turnout, everyone had a good time and the residents especially loved it.

Field View Care Home handyman resident Sylvia Churchill in the sweet shop.Field View Care Home handyman resident Sylvia Churchill in the sweet shop.
Field View Care Home handyman resident Sylvia Churchill in the sweet shop.

“The shop looks fantastic and we have had lots of positive feedback.

“We really wanted to convert the lounge into something all of the residents can use, we have a few dementia patients so it will be used for dementia therapy as well as birthday parties and fetes.”

The shop received a donation from Joanne Chambers of Sweet Dreams, in Peterlee, who provided old fashioned sweet jars and selection of sweets including mint humbugs, liquorice and pear drops.

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Much of the work was completed by Field View’s maintenance man Ian Noble, who worked on the shop for a year.

Field View Care Home handyman Ian Noble who created the sweetie shop with residents Sylvia Churchill (left) and Joyce Young.Field View Care Home handyman Ian Noble who created the sweetie shop with residents Sylvia Churchill (left) and Joyce Young.
Field View Care Home handyman Ian Noble who created the sweetie shop with residents Sylvia Churchill (left) and Joyce Young.

Ian painted and decorated the room and built the hand-made sweet-cart, named Sweet Field Treats.

The idea of the sweet shop came from the home’s care manager, Michelle Howarth, who said: “We are delighted to have opened our vintage sweet shop and think that it is a wonderful addition to Field View.

“Our vintage sweet shop will improve our clients’ sense of choice and independence, as well as stimulate memories with tastes of the past.

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“We also hope that the store will enhance the lives of our residents living with dementia through reminiscence therapy and allowing them to maintain their freedom of choice, dignity and individualism.”

All funds raised from the sale of sweets will go to the home’s residents fund, which provides special treats for the residents such as days out.

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