Celebrating Life Stories at Brierfield House Care Home

At Brierfield House Care Home in Nelson, we've been getting to know our residents through one-to-one life story sessions, sitting down together to gather photos, memories and stories from their lives. These are then crafted into beautiful, personalised displays that hang on bedroom doors and around the home.

Each display tells a unique story. Frank’s display reflects a life in Nelson where he spent over 50 years as a car mechanic. As is true today, he grew up with a keen interest in gardening and classical music. We also learnt that Nancy has happy memories of lambing season and growing up at Roughlee as a farmer's daughter. She later enjoyed wedding cake decorating as a hobby before marrying a farmer herself. Irene's display celebrates her love of animals. She told use how she rescued a cat and gave it a loving home and how she’d love to visit to the zoo with her husband.

And then there's Lynne, who trained at performing arts school and went on to appear in Doctor Who, Crossroads, and Anne of Green Gables. Her display showcases her modelling days, of her in beautiful dresses and wide-brimmed hats and we’re delighted to share that we’re planning a special photoshoot to recreate those wonderful images.

When we told Lynne about the photoshoot, she teared up, hugged Lucy, our Wellbeing Lead, and said simply: "Thank you, I would love to."

The displays help our team see the whole person. Knowing that Frank loves Laurel and Hardy or that Nancy's eyes light up talking about lambing season transforms how we connect with each resident. The signs on bedroom doors encourage meaningful conversation, supporting residents to feel valued and appreciated.

Research shows that reminiscence therapy has wonderful benefits for those living with dementia. By sharing stores from the past through reminiscence therapy, people can develop more positive feelings whilst reducing stress and agitation.

Life story work reflects our values here at Each Other Care. We're there for each other, taking time to listen and learn. We're authentic in honouring each person's unique journey. And we're positive and light-hearted, celebrating achievements and creating moments of connection.

If you are exploring residential care, dementia care, or respite care for yourself or a loved one in Nelson, we'd love to meet you. It’s always a privilege to get to know who are residents are, where they've been and what matters to them. We’re learning from them every day.