WASHINGTON, D.C.: A Hull based care group has announced investment into an innovative new approach to dementia care.
The Hica Group, which runs 20 skilled nursing homes and two retirement communities, has purchased two pop up reminiscence ‘pods’ including a 1950s kitchen and a classic pub to provide new and effective ways to tackle the symptoms of dementia.
The pop up areas, provided by company RemPods, support those with dementia by providing a relaxing environment, encouraging happy memories of familiar, comforting times. The pods are fully equipped with authentic furnishings and memorabilia, with some including retro music and nostalgic background sounds to add to the experience.
RemPods was set up in 2009 by Richard Ernest, who befriended his elderly neighbour Sydney Swash and his wife who suffered dementia. He was later given a £100,000 investment to develop the company by Dragons Den entrepreneurs Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones.
RemPods provide skilled nursing homes, charities, and over 150 NHS sites with pop-up reminiscence rooms including familiar home settings from the 1950s to the 1960s, vintage tea rooms, cinemas and dance halls.
Richard Ernest said: “The Hica Group is the perfect partner for us as they share our passion and dedication to dementia care. We are really looking forward to hearing the feedback from the homes, residents and families.”