Romford Care Home has received an innovative R.I.T.A Machine thanks to community fundraising efforts.
Residents and team members at Romford Care Home are celebrating after receiving an extraordinary gift that will help enrich the lives of those living with dementia and complex care needs for years to come.
The home was been presented with its very own RITA (Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities) machine thanks to the generosity of the Havering Dementia Action Alliance (HDAA) and the support of F Barnes Solicitors.
The donation was made possible following a highly successful fundraising afternoon tea hosted by the Havering Dementia Action Alliance at Romford Golf Club. On 5th June, representatives from the HDAA, Lesley and Karen, joined the team from F Barnes Solicitors at Romford Care Home to officially present the innovative technology to the team and see first-hand how it will be used to support residents.
The RITA system is an interactive touchscreen device designed specifically for health and social care settings. It provides access to a wide range of reminiscence materials, music, games, quizzes,
sensory activities, photographs, videos, virtual experiences and personalised content that can be tailored to an individual’s interests, life story and abilities.
For people living with dementia, reminiscence-based activities can help stimulate memories, encourage communication, reduce feelings of anxiety and isolation, and promote meaningful engagement. The technology can be used both one-to-one and in group settings, supporting social interaction while helping residents maintain connections to treasured memories, hobbies and experiences.
The addition of the RITA machine further strengthens Romford Care Home’s commitment to providing innovative, person-centred dementia care and creating opportunities for residents to remain active, engaged and connected.
Tracy Smith, Customer Relations Manager at Romford Care Home, said: “We are incredibly grateful to F Barnes Solicitors and the Havering Dementia Action Alliance for this wonderful donation. The RITA machine will make a tremendous difference to the lives of the people we support. Meaningful engagement is such an important part of wellbeing, particularly for those living with dementia, and this technology opens up so many opportunities for reminiscence, conversation, entertainment and connection. It was fantastic to be able to demonstrate the system and show our guests how it will be used throughout the home.”
The presentation highlighted the power of community partnerships and the positive impact local organisations can have on the lives of those in the community. Thanks to the generosity of the Havering Dementia Action Alliance and F Barnes Solicitors, residents at Romford Care Home will now benefit from a valuable resource that supports wellbeing, encourages engagement and creates meaningful moments every day.
Maddie Ilie, General Manager at Romford Care Home, added: “This truly is an extraordinary gift that will enhance countless lives. At Romford Care Home, we are always looking for innovative ways to support residents’ wellbeing and provide enriching experiences that are tailored to each individual. The RITA machine will become an invaluable addition to daily life within the home, helping residents reconnect with cherished memories, engage with activities they enjoy and spend quality time with one another. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone involved in making this possible.”
The home looks forward to incorporating the RITA machine into its varied programme of activities and using the technology to further enhance the personalised support offered to residents living with dementia and nursing care needs.
