ELDERLY residents can reminisce on journeys past after a bus stop was installed in their care home’s garden.

The Thamesdown Transport bus stop was unveiled in the garden of The Cedars care home in Purton, which is part of the Orders of St John Care Trust yesterday(May29), and is aimed to help jog the memories of some of the patients who suffer with dementia.

The curious feature was kindly donated to the home by the Swindon-based bus company as an item which many residents will be familiar with, which can be of great help to those with dementia to evoke memories.

Marie Cranfield, home manager at The Cedars, said: “We are very grateful to Thamesdown Transport for the donation of the bus stop.

"It has pride of place in our garden with its own custom made bus shelter.

"It will enhance the quality of life for our residents living with dementia through reminiscing and communication.”

The bus stop was officially unveiled on Friday(may29) afternoon by Deric Pemberton, Thamesdown’s Commercial Officer.

The company has been working towards becoming more dementia friendly, and one of their instructors will be taking part in a workshop in June to help Thamesdown Transport expand its training programme and ensure its drivers are fully equipped to treat people with dementia with care and respect.

“We are so pleased to have been able to donate the bus stop to The Cedars,” said Deric.

“It’s great to know that people may be able to take themselves back to happy memories of travelling by bus through the decades.

"The ceremony was lovely and we hope the residents enjoy the new addition to their garden.”

Thamesdown donated the bus stop to the home as familiar items can of journeys past and to reminisce with each other.

Robin Khokar, Wiltshire assistant operations director for The Orders of St John Care Trust, said: “We strive to continually improve the quality of life for all our residents and find that bus stops can provide a sense of security reassurance, familiarity and also help with communication.

"Many of our residents are living with dementia and this really helps them to bring back fond memories.”