In December 2021 Bedford Borough Council generously invested in RITA for 6 council owned care homes. These 6 care homes were chosen to act as a pilot exercise and if successful the council will consider a much wider roll out to other care homes across the Borough.
As per our now 'standard' implementation approach, each home attended training and managers were urged to embed the technology in to general day to day routines,The implementation has been closely monitored by the council and MIN which includes usage monitoring and feedback surveys.
Feedback and the outcomes being achieved match those being achieved elsewhere throughout the UK.
“Having RITA to hand as a practical tool to instantly use as a positive behavioural support for residents has helped staff to quickly witness the benefits of RITA as opposed to just suggesting interventions. It also demonstrated how it can potentially reduce the need for unplanned 1:1, by using content that is meaningful for the individual, thus contributing to a reduction in staff workload”
Case studies available (Click to view):
“Following the introduction of RITA in January 2022, our homes have already seen some very positive outcomes.”
"Some staff who have historically been scared of using IT and digital platforms are enjoying using RITA as it is so simple to navigate and this will hopefully provide them with confidence to engage with other digital platforms. Staff in all settings have reported that they are enjoying using RITA with the residents"
"The wide content in RITA is providing staff with more resources and options to engage residents and in a visual manner which is easier for many residents with cognitive impairments because they may struggle to maintain and process conversations with staff to identify this.”
"The homes have used tablets with residents for several years, but we have witnessed that the larger RITA trolley unit is engaging residents who have not shown any interest in digital content previously, due to the larger size, closeness and clarity of the screen."