Residents of two specialist dementia care homes in Wales are being treated to a simulation of historic North West Wales railways.
Train carriage installation ‘the Meddyg Care Express’ features a 60-inch screen showing hours of footage of the local region, as well as vintage lighting, luggage, storage racks, seating, and a table.
Additionally, at Porthmadog, the senior team leader’s office now doubles as a ticket desk. Residents can purchase an old-style train ticket and sit in the station waiting area while they read a brochure.
The installation was designed and installed by Little Islands, which specialises in creating nostalgic experiences for the dementia care sector to promote stimulation for the senses and a soothing atmosphere.
Laura Haynes, help at home manager at Meddyg Care, said: “The investment is part of the staff’s holistic approach to providing residents with alternative activities, aiming to promote socialisation among those living at the homes and offer a new outlet that can help with expression and anxiety.
“Residents can take a train ride whenever they like, which is ideal for those who tend not to sleep through the night – it means our care staff can take them to the first-class carriage and enjoy a cup of tea.
“We’re thrilled to have invested in this new area at our Porthmadog and Criccieth homes and we’re already seeing regular visitors to the carriage, which has certainly created a calming effect and helped the residents feel more at home.”
