Our Commissioning and Contracts Team has collaborated with My Improvement Network to deliver a number of RITA devices to care providers, with funding from Welsh Government’s Intermediate Care Fund (ICF).
What is RITA?
RITA (Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activity) is an interactive touch screen solution that provides a platform of reminiscence, using a 24” monitor, which can be wheeled around, or a 10” tablet, which can be used on a 1-1 basis.
In total, 21 care providers across Wrexham applied and were successful in being issued with a RITA. It gives those living with dementia access to apps, games and other leisure activities as part of their care.
The system can be personalised to an individual’s needs and is powerful for continuity of care.
There are digital life stories that can be summarised in a book and a number of different settings – sensory, relaxation, mealtime, sleep therapy, digital garden and many more.
Whilst the primary purpose of RITA is to enhance quality of life and wellbeing, other reported outcomes for individuals using RITA can’t be ignored, such as reduction in falls, reduced anxiety and improved experiences for the individual, their families and the staff.
Councillor David A Bithell, Lead Member for Adult Social Care, says: “We’re really pleased with the impact the RITA devices are having in care homes across Wrexham. The devices allow people to engage in meaningful activities and conversations, improving their wellbeing and quality of life. They’ve been a real hit, and care providers are seeing big improvements in lots of people, which is fantastic news.”
Feedback so far
Bev Griffiths, Manager, Emral House:
“We offered the use of the RITA to a gentleman who is Italian and who is confined to his bed. He was able to listen to Italian music and other clips (RITA is available in a number of languages) that were of interest to him. This gentleman would normally demand the attention of the staff but once he was given the RITA we did not hear from him, now when I see him he asks me for my phone (referring to RITA tablet). What a difference this has made in such a short time.”
Julie, Activities Co-ordinator, Chirk Court Care Home:
“This is brilliant, already the residents are getting the benefit from accessing a number of different activities on the RITA. We recently used it for a sing-a-long, playing songs from a range of countries and the mood of the residents lifted straight away.”
Quote from a 101-year-old woman: “Isn’t it amazing technology now.” She particularly loved the sing-a-long and aquarium.
Lisa Fox, Penley Rainbow Centre:
“This has been well received by the people who attend the centre. We have so far accessed quiz time, reminiscence music, and whack-a-mole is proving to be popular! We are busy creating personal profiles of individuals that is bespoke to them and a collection of their favourite things on RITA that they enjoy.”
Andrea, Activity Co-ordinator, Stansty House Care Home:
“It’s been a great opportunity having a RITA, and I can use this daily to interact with the residents, and it gives me the opportunity to do something different. This was offered to a lady who is bedbound and unable to join the other residents, she enjoyed songs, movie clips and her mood lifted straight away. The residents are enjoying the music keyboard, painter and we have recently assembled the shed RemPod that we loan from the Commissioning and Contracts Team.”
Alison Langford, Activity Co-ordinator, Penygarth Care Home:
“RITA has gone down a storm with the residents, here is Derek reminiscing about the olden days….”
Irene enjoying the 360 app, especially under the sea…
Linda enjoying snakes and ladders…
Ladies watching ‘Move it or Lose it’ before they did the actual exercises…
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