The Power of Reminiscence at Mountside

Barbara Reunited with Cherished Photo Highlighting the Power of Reminiscence

Residents and staff at Mountside Care Home in Hastings recently shared a moving and unforgettable moment when Barbara, a long-time resident, was reunited with a framed family photograph from her youth — captured during her time as a nanny to Lord and Lady Pakenham and their children.

Barbara began her role with the family at just 14 years old, after a friend turned down the position and it was offered to her instead. She worked with the Pakenhams in Hurst Green for seven happy years, leaving only when she married. “It was my only job, but it meant the world to me,” Barbara recalled, her eyes lighting up with pride as the memory returned.

The surprise was arranged by activities coordinator Kimberley, who, through thoughtful research, discovered the treasured image and had it beautifully framed. Handing it to

Barbara, Kimberley described the moment: “As Barbara held the photograph in her hands, I could see the memories come flooding back. It wasn’t just a picture — it was a doorway to her past, full of meaning and love. To be able to give her that joy was such a privilege.”

This is more than a photograph, it’s about the importance of reminiscence.

Moments like this highlight the value of reminiscence — intentionally recalling past life events to improve mental and emotional well-being. At Mountside, one-to-one conversations and personal storytelling are an integral part of care, especially for those living with dementia or cognitive decline.

Reminiscence therapy taps into long-term memory, which often remains accessible even as short-term memory fades. Using sensory triggers such as music, photographs, or familiar scents, it encourages positive emotions, reduces stress, and fosters meaningful social connections. For residents like Barbara, these memories provide not only comfort and joy but also a stronger sense of identity and purpose.

“This was more than just a photograph,” Kimberley explained. “It was a piece of Barbara’s life — a reminder of her role, her achievements, and the love she gave. By sharing and preserving these stories, we’re supporting residents to stay connected with who they are.”

At the Heart of Hastings Mountside Care Home is a Family Home.

Mountside is proud to be more than just a care home; it’s a family home at the very heart of Hastings. Residents, staff, families and visitors come together to create an environment built on warmth, kindness, and shared experiences.

Family moments like Barbara’s photo surprise are central to life here, whether it’s reminiscing over treasured memories, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying laughter around the table. These everyday occasions become precious opportunities to nurture bonds and strengthen the sense of belonging that defines Mountside Care Home.

By embracing this family-first approach, the home ensures that every resident feels part of something bigger; a caring community where love, joy, and connection flourish.

At Mountside, the care team understands that a care home is more than just a place to live. The home is a community built on relationships, compassion, and respect for each individual’s life story. One-to-one conversations, personalised activities, and simple acts of kindness ensure that residents feel valued and understood.

Barbara’s story is a beautiful example of how intentional reminiscence can transform a day, lifting spirits and strengthening the bond between residents and staff. These moments remind us why person-centred care matters so much. It’s not just about meeting physical needs but nurturing emotional well-being, identity, and belonging.

As the framed photo now takes pride of place in Barbara’s room, it serves not only as a treasured keepsake but as a symbol of the joy and connection that memory, care, and community can bring.

The power of reminiscence; research shows benefits for older adults and those living with dementia:

-Reminiscence — the act of recalling and sharing past experiences — is more than just storytelling. Research shows that this simple but powerful activity can have a profound impact on the well-being of older adults, particularly those living with dementia.

-By tapping into long-term memory, which often remains intact even as short-term memory declines, reminiscence allows individuals to reconnect with meaningful life events, people, and achievements. Studies have found that reminiscence therapy can:

-Enhance mood and reduce stress by triggering positive emotions.

-Strengthen self-identity and self-esteem, reminding individuals of their value and life story.

-Improve social connections, as sharing memories creates opportunities for bonding with caregivers, family, and peers.

-Support cognitive function through conversation, sensory stimulation, and mental engagement.

Tools such as photographs, music, familiar objects, and even scents are often used to spark memories. For example, a favourite song might transport someone back to their youth, while the smell of home baking can evoke memories of family life.

For people with dementia, reminiscence offers comfort, continuity, and a sense of purpose. For caregivers, it provides invaluable insights into the individual’s past, enabling truly person-centred care.

Far from being a nostalgic pastime, reminiscence is a recognised, non-pharmacological approach that improves quality of life and fosters joy, connection, and dignity in later years.

Key Research & Reviews on Reminiscence Therapy

Systematic Review & Meta-Analysis (2022)

Findings: Across 29 studies and 3,102 participants, reminiscence therapy improved cognitive function and quality of life, while reducing depressive and neuropsychiatric symptoms in people with dementia.

Journal of Clinical Medicine (2022)

Findings: A review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) showed that reminiscence therapy—administered individually or in groups at least once a week for 30–35 minutes over 12 weeks—positively impacted global cognition, depression, and quality of life among older adults with Alzheimer’s disease.

Group Reminiscence Study (2024)

Findings: In a study involving eight sessions over four weeks among adults with moderate to severe dementia, group reminiscence significantly improved subjective well-being and reduced behavioural and psychological symptoms (BPSD), though no cognitive improvements were detected.

Community-Dwelling Older Adults (2023)

Findings: Reminiscence therapy increased quality of life, life satisfaction, self-esteem, and reduced depression among community-dwelling elderly across different formats (simple reminiscence, life review, etc.)

Psychological Outcomes Meta-Analysis (2023)

Findings: Reminiscence therapy consistently reduced depressive symptoms and enhanced life satisfaction. However, outcomes can vary depending on the format and structure of the intervention.

Summary of Benefits

Across multiple studies, reminiscence therapy has demonstrated tangible improvements in:

-Emotional well-being: Enhances mood, reduces depression, and boosts life satisfaction and self-esteem.

-Quality of life: Participants often report a stronger sense of fulfilment and connection to their personal identity.

-Behavioural symptoms: Reduction in agitation, anxiety, and other behavioural challenges in individuals with dementia.