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Residents drive down memory lane with model cars

Hsin-Yi LoSouth East
Corgi An elderly man wearing a black cardigan is holding a box containing a model Spitfire.Corgi
Residents at Copperfield Court in Broadstairs were gifted with Corgi models

A toy company visiting a Kent dementia care home has delighted residents by giving them vintage diecast models.

Residents at Copperfield Court in Broadstairs unwrapped their presents from car model makers Corgi, and said seeing the toys helped them reconnect with their pasts.

Managing director of Corgi, Guy Stanthorpe, told BBC Radio Kent: "We did our research into the residents' lives, such as the first cars they drove, and picked presents we thought were related to their lives.

"When they opened the boxes you could see their faces lighting up. The diecast models sparked lots of memories which was what we wanted to achieve."

A spokesperson for Corgi said one resident, 67-year-old Christopher, was given a bright red London bus.

"When he saw the model bus, he remembered running to catch the bus from Sutton-at-Hone into the capital for work," they said.

Corgi An elderly woman wearing a striped blue and white top holding a model car toy inside a box. She is sitting next to a Christmas tree.Corgi
When residents unwrapped their gifts they said they remembered sounds of the World War Two Spitfires and the smell of car engines

Another resident, Christine, 78, opened a Superior Ambulance which immediately took her back to her days as a nursing assistant, Corgi said.

Other residents said when they opened their gifts, they recalled the sounds of the Spitfires overhead, the smell of car engines, and the vibrant colours of vehicles from the past.

Mr Stanthorpe added he was "pleased" their diecast toys were able to "trigger meaningful recollections".

Corgi A man in a multi-coloured top is holding a Spitfire toy model. He is sitting next to another man who is also holding a part of the Spitfire model. Corgi
Professor of behavioural science at the University of Surrey, Victoria Tischler, said the toys encouraged people to share stories

Professor of behavioural science at the University of Surrey, Victoria Tischler, said providing stimulating and joyful activities for older people was "an essential part of good care".

"Models of vehicles represent interesting multi-sensory objects that can be used to promote meaningful conversation and memories," she said.

She added handling and exploring the objects "allowed older people to share knowledge and stories", which helped build relationships with carers and family.

"For those with dementia, combining different senses of touch, hearing and sight brings them into the present moment and improves mood and attention," she said.

David Mather, head of marketing at Corgi, said everyone had a "wonderful day".

He said gifting a model linked to residents' memories can be a "conversation starter with family members over the festive period".

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