At the Hull and East Riding Memory Assessment Service, enriching patients’ lives through research-led therapeutic activities is a top priority. The festive season provides a wonderful opportunity to stimulate patients’ memories by encouraging them to reminisce about past Christmases. This year, the Service team, in collaboration with the Acute Community Service (ACS), decided to make Christmas extra special by introducing a Memory Tree in their waiting area.
The idea was for patients to decorate the tree with wooden ornaments designed for recording personal Christmas memories. Staff and patients would also work together to create homemade decorations, turning the project into a shared and creative experience.
However, when their Christmas tree was retrieved from storage, it was clear it had seen better days. Determined to bring the Memory Tree idea to life, a staff member reached out to Health Stars to request funding for a new tree.
Sally Ford, Specialist Occupational Therapist for the Memory Assessment Service, explained the significance of the project:
“Reminiscence plays a vital role in stimulating memory and improving overall wellbeing, particularly for those living with dementia. The Memory Assessment Service incorporates Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) into its programming, where discussing past experiences and sharing traditions fosters communication and mental activity—key goals of the therapy.
“As part of CST, patients are encouraged to decorate the tree with wooden ornaments on which they can write their Christmas memories. Staff and patients also collaborate to create homemade decorations, making the project a truly collective effort.”
CST is a 10-week programme designed for individuals diagnosed with mild to moderate dementia. It features activities that stimulate thinking and memory, while also providing memory strategies and group support. The Memory Tree fits seamlessly into this therapeutic approach, combining creativity with cognitive engagement.
Staff from the Memory Assessment Service and ACS have not only donated decorations but also crafted beautiful handmade ornaments, showcasing their dedication to creating a festive and supportive environment.
“The Memory Tree has become a focal point for conversation within the Service,” Sally added. “It’s heartwarming to see patients, their families, and our team sharing stories and memories as they add their contributions to the tree.”
By encouraging connection and reminiscence, the Memory Tree has brought joy to everyone involved, making it a meaningful addition to the Memory Assessment Service’s therapeutic activities this Christmas.
Hull and East Riding Memory Assessment Service and the Acute Community Service (ACS) are dedicated to supporting older adults through various interventions, including coping with emotions and anxiety management. ACS focuses on preventing hospital admissions and facilitating early discharges, helping functional patients regain independence and stability.
