Bromsgrove care homes support project to share memories (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Bromsgrove care homes support project to share memories

3:10pm Wednesday 10th October 2012 in News

BROMSGROVE care homes are supporting a new project encouraging people to share and capture family memories.

The town’s Bupa-owned care homes, including Heathbrook House, in Stoke Heath, are taking part in Memory Share Week between November 12-18.

The event focuses on the importance of sharing memories, and how capturing these memories now can reap rewards for families in later life.

The setting up of the event follows the release of the findings in a Bupa survey, which found two-thirds of respondents could not name where their parents first met and only one in three knew their father’s greatest achievement, or the most memorable event in their mother’s childhood.

Three quarters of people surveyed admitted they ought to know more.

To help families capture memories, Bupa has created a Map of Life tool.

Available online it can be used to record significant life experiences, such as schooldays, jobs, holidays, interests and friends.

Siobhan Drane, Bupa Care Homes’ community and partnerships manager, said: “The map of life is something we have introduced into all our homes.

“We think it is really important to find out as much as possible about our residents using our map so that we can provide really personalised care.”

The website also provides ideas for families, and advice on how to unlock memories.

It can be viewed at bupa.co.uk/mapoflife.