Member Article

Hull care group invests in innovative dementia ‘pods’

A Hull based care group has announced investment into an innovative new approach to dementia care.

The Hica Group, which runs 20 care homes and two retirement villages, 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.

The 1950’s kitchen pod has now moved to The Hollies, Hessle, following its initial success at Wilton Lodge, Hull. Red House care home in Bridlington has also benefitted from a pop up classic pub, which has been a hit with residents and visitors. The pods are now set to be rolled out to other homes operated by The Hica Group.

The investment was made possible after more than 60 staff completed a 10 mile sponsored walk which raised almost £4,000.

Chief executive of Hica, Penni Brown said: “We are very proud of our staff for going the extra mile to fund the dementia pods. Their efforts and dedication perfectly reflect the Shine ethos which is promoted throughout Hica.

“The RemPods concept is fantastic and we know that providing a familiar environment triggers happy memories and ensures that residents feel safe, secure and happy, reducing the risk of distress which is common in those with dementia.”

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 care 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.”

The Hica Group is a not for profit organisation, which operates a portfolio of 20 residential care homes, five of which are for people with a learning disability, along with two retirement villages. The company also runs a home care service providing approximately 11,500 hours of support and care from four regional offices in the North of England.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Hica Group .