Oxford care home takes trip down memory lane with Cadbury

Residents at a care home in Oxford took a trip down memory lane to mark Dementia Action Week.

Staff and residents at Oxford Beaumont Care Home received nostalgic Cadbury chocolate bars in memory boxes.

The boxes, filled with retro Cadbury Dairy Milk bars dating back to 1915, were part of an initiative by Cadbury and Alzheimer’s Research UK to support individuals living with dementia.

Oxford Beaumont residents with retro Cadbury products (Image: Oxford Beaumont)

Residents enjoyed using the Cadbury Memory Bars during a virtual event that included a talk from a Cadbury archivist and brand manager.

The initiative was launched following requests from care homes and dementia support groups for Cadbury packaging no longer in circulation.

Alongside the memory boxes, Cadbury is providing digital download links to past advertisements and packaging designs, as a part of its 200th anniversary celebration.

An Oxford Beaumont resident with a retro Cadbury product (Image: Oxford Beaumont)

By partnering with Alzheimer’s Research UK and donating £200,000 to the charity, the company is aiming to raise awareness about dementia and help the charity to find a cure.

Shaju Paul, general manager at Oxford Beaumont Care Home, said: "An activity that we have found to be beneficial in improving cognition and mood is designing group activities to help residents reminisce and take a trip back through time.

Retro Cadbury products (Image: Oxford Beaumont)

"Through its Memory Bar Boxes, Cadbury has brought joy to generations of people.

"The memorable wrappers brought positive happy stimuli during these activities and provided an opportunity to share memories and laughter together.”