Residents at Barking Hall nursing home in Barking, near Needham Market, are enjoying remembering the fun of the fifties thanks to a new Reminiscence pod that has been created in the grounds of the home.
Staff at the home, which is part of the Healthcare Homes Group, have transformed a summer house in the garden, converting it into a Reminiscence pod which resembles an 1950s style American diner.
The pod was officially opened by resident Marjorie Abbott during a recent open day celebration at Barking Hall at the end of April. Marjorie has lived at the home for 16 years – longer than any other current resident.
The pod has a juke box inside and the walls are adorned with pictures of film stars from the era. Residents can spend time within the pod,
remembering one of the most –loved eras in their pasts, and musical groups who come to entertain the residents will also use the 
pod for their outdoor performances.
The home provides residential and nursing care for up to 49 residents and staff work with them to create the activities they’d most like. When planning the pod, residents explained that they wanted to use it to remember a carefree time such as the 1950s.
Home Manager Sue Oates said:
“The reminiscence pod is an excellent addition to our home – it is already proving to be very popular with residents who are enjoying spending time there, sharing memories and reminiscing about one of their most loved eras. We aim to make Barking Hall a ‘home from home’ for those who live here, and that means providing our residents with new and interesting ways to make the environment as enjoyable as possible. I hope that the pod will be a treasured part of the home for many years to come.”
