Residents revisit Malta through armchair travel experience

Our residents travelled to Malta without leaving their chairs thanks to an immersive armchair travel experience inspired by a resident’s cherished holiday memories.

Each month, our residents are encouraged to pick a destination for their monthly ‘armchair travel’, this can be a somewhere they have fond memories of, or a place they have always wanted to visit.

Iris Sealey, aged 91, chose Malta as the latest destination, as she remembers a holiday there with her late husband Kenneth.

“I only visited Malta once, but it has always stayed with me,” said Iris, who made Heathfield Court her home in April 2023.

“It was such a lovely place and there were so many things I remembered about it. It was wonderful to share my memories with everyone and see all the photographs. I really enjoyed the afternoon.

“I was particularly interested in hearing again about the miracle at the Mosta church. During World War II, a German plane dropped a bomb on the church, crashing through the massive stone dome and falling among the congregation, yet it failed to detonate.

“It was a story that fascinated me when I visited and I have never forgotten it.”

During the session, Iris also shared a treasured Maltese cross pendant that was gifted to her by a shopkeeper during her holiday. The keepsake remains one of her most treasured possessions and serves as a reminder of her time on the island.

Hannah Tribe, lifestyle lead our home, transported Iris and her fellow residents on a virtual journey around the Mediterranean island using our new projector and screen.

Hannah explained: “Our armchair travels are always popular with our residents because they combine learning something new with sharing memories and experiences.

“It’s especially lovely when residents choose somewhere they have visited themselves because it encourages reminiscence and sparks some wonderful conversations.

“I have been fortunate enough to visit Malta myself, so I was able to share some of my own photographs and memories as part of the presentation.”

Hannah shared facts about Malta’s history, culture, currency and famous landmarks, and everyone enjoyed a virtual tour of destinations including Valletta, Gozo, Comino and the ancient city of Mdina.

For a more immersive experience, they also sampled traditional Maltese pastizzi pastries and olives.

Fellow resident Betty, 94, said: “I had been to Malta many years ago and it brought back some wonderful memories. I found the story of the miracle incredible.”

Maureen, 85, enjoyed learning about a country she has never visited. She said: “Armchair Travel is a really good idea because it gives us the opportunity to learn about places we never had the chance to visit.”

The Armchair Travel sessions regularly transport residents around the world and have already visited Norway and Belgium. The next stop will be Thailand, chosen by resident Maureen because her daughter lives there.

Home manager Nicola Martin added: “The armchair travels are a creative way to keep our residents engaged and connected to their memories. We also host monthly language cafés where we celebrate the culture of our team and residents. It’s an opportunity to experience different cultures first-hand, enjoying music, dancing, and traditional food and drink.

“They allow residents to revisit special places from their past, discover somewhere new and enjoy meaningful conversations with friends. Seeing Iris share her memories of Malta with everyone was truly special.”

Located on Colyers Lane in Erith, Heathfield Court is a 66-bed care home providing residential, nursing and specialist dementia care. Heathfield Court is rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). The dedicated activities team offer a varied programme tailored to residents’ hobbies, interests and abilities.