My Improvement Network is incredibly honoured and privileged to be working together with Diageo and Guinness to enhance the lives of people living with Dementia across the Republic of Ireland. Our RITA (Reminiscence and Interactive Therapeutic Activities) solution is being introduced to services across Ireland who are caring for people living with Dementia. Diageo and Guinness have generously supplied resources from the historic Guinness Archive to further enhance the Reminiscence resources contained within RITA, ensuring that carers can deliver reminiscence therapy using localised resources to support meaningful engagement.
Resources include videos and images of advertisements from the 1950's to the 1990's.
This incredibly positive partnership follows in the footsteps of similar engagements with Wrexham, Celtic and Rangers Football Clubs and the Gaelic Athletics Association who have also generously supported this initiative.
To collaborate with a globally recognised brand such as Guinness, who already do so much for their communities is a real honour and we look forward to sharing the many ‘magic reminiscence moments’ experienced by Guinness lovers alike when using RITA in the future.
Allison Kennedy Directorate Nurse Manager at Mater Hospital in Dublin comments:
“The RITA unit has been a wonderful addition for patients in the Mater Hospital Acute Elderly care ward . It focuses on person centred and the individualised approach, with a wide range of activities designed to meet each patient’s needs. For many, a hospital admission can be a frightening experience, and for patients with cognitive impairment or Dementia, it is paramount that we aim to provide a sense of comfort through familiarity and nostalgia.
An emphasis on Irish culture -including Irish News, Sports, familiar products, and traditions has been particularly meaningful for patients, helping them to reconnect with their memories and feel at home. At the same time, the unit embraces multicultural themes, recognising and celebrating the diverse backgrounds of our patients to ensure they feel seen, valued, and supported. It has been a great addition to our ward and staff take great satisfaction in seeing how much it lifts the spirits of our patients and makes them smile.”
