A Trip Down Memory Lane

A photograph, a keepsake, a song or even a whiff of perfume – these are among the many sensory cues that can bring back an old memory. 

To help older people with memory loss to remember and recall their fond memories, Martine Mahoney regularly comes up with innovative ways to engage those who attend respite at Southern Cross Care (Vic)’s respite centre, Macleod Cottage.

As a part-time community support worker at the Cottage, Martine takes great pride in her varied role which includes attending to clients’ personal care, meal service and lifestyle program.

“I love the diversity of my role. I enjoy coming to work each day, supporting older people and putting a smile on their faces,” said Martine, who joined Southern Cross Care in 2014.

It was her passion in aged care that inspired her to set up a Reminisce Corner at the Cottage a year ago

Littered with memorabilia from her travels and selected pieces from her personal antique collection, the space has generated a lot of interest from clients, particularly Bill (not his real name). Coordinator at the Cottage, Christine Vice said Bill has dementia and can be a little anxious at times. However, the Reminisce Corner has had a calming effect on him.

“Bill was an avid traveller in the past, that’s why he enjoys looking at the collector spoons on display. It brings back fond memories of his travels and gives him something to talk about with other people. It’s great that he is connecting with others because of this great initiative by Martine,” said Christine.

“Martine is just fantastic. She has a good understanding of older people and the things that are, and have been important to them in their lives. People come to this Reminisce Corner, have a fiddle with things, and that usually sparks a lot of wonderful memories and conversations,” said Christine.

On Valentine’s Day, Martine went a step further and brought in her wedding dress, complete with a mannequin. Clients loved the initiative and many joined in the conversations to share
about their own special day. Buddy, Martine’s dog, also makes a regular appearance at the Cottage and never fails to get plenty of attention, pats and cuddles from clients and staff alike.

Macleod Cottage offers respite care for older people with dementia. For more details, call (03) 8564 1800 or 1800 508 008 during business hours.

Click here to find out more about Southern Cross Care (Vic)'s aged care services.