A PIONEERING Runcorn care home that has transformed the lives of dementia residents is launching another innovative project.

St Luke’s in Palacefields has already created a pub, cinema, seaside, 1950s kitchen and garden to rekindle memories.

The £250,000 project has stimulated nostalgia, happy memories and conversation.

Residents are encouraged to relax and share stories about their past.

Home manager Sue Ashcroft now wants to encourage elderly folk to remember their happy childhoods.

She hopes to convert another room into an old fashioned sweet shop.

Staff are holding a summer fair on Saturday, August 8 from 1pm to 4pm to raise funds towards the refurbishment.

Activity co-ordinator Terri Kennedy said: “This is something staff are really excited about.

“We’ve already got a mural of ye olde sweet shop and we’re hoping to get a welsh dresser and old fashioned Avery weighing scales.”

Turning back the clock, she said, has already made a big difference to the health and wellbeing of residents.

Even smells and sounds are being used to make everything as authentic as possible.

Popcorn is made whilst residents watch movies such as South Pacific and Singing in the Rain.

And homemade candy floss, donut machines, sand pits, music and a giant postcard you put your face through bring the beach to life.

Terri said: “To see the facial expressions on residents is absolutely brilliant.

“Some who have advanced dementia and sleep a lot stay awake longer, they enjoy it so much.

“It has improved the quality of their lives.

“It is about person-centred care.

“We chat to them as individuals to find out about their favourite pastimes and hobbies.

“We don’t assume everyone likes the same things.”

Trained staff work with NHS clinical specialists every day to support 60 residents with dementia.

There will be plenty of family fun at the summer fair as staff plan to dress up as a minion, spider man and monkey.

Firefighters will be bringing a fire engine and there will be a selection of stalls and tombolas.