The Genius Invention for Dementia Care: Time Rooms

Millions of elderly people worldwide suffer from dementia. Countless studies have been conducted to find ways to help them and improve their lives, but the Alexasba nursing home in Dresden came up with a particularly original idea.   

At the nursing home, they decided to do everything possible to help the elderly retrieve even a few of their memories back to life. As part of this, they created 'memory rooms' furnished in the style common in the 60s and 70s, filled with items, objects, and even meals that were popular during those years. The time rooms also feature a miniature model of a well-known store that used to exist, and songs are played from records dating back fifty years.

This, according to the nursing home staff, helps revive old memories for the elderly.

The memories date back to the past, sometimes even touching on... Hitler, may his name be obliterated. Take, for example, Margit Hikisch, an 88-year-old resident who remembered Hitler's life: "Hitler was insane," she recalled, "and we suffered during the war and afterwards, but eventually the situation gradually improved and we had enough food again."

The nursing home manager reported that exposure to these objects had 'dramatic results.' "We noticed that residents emerged from exhaustion and were suddenly able to eat and drink more, becoming friendlier and more interested in their surroundings."

And where did all the memorabilia and authentic items come from? From eBay and the flea market, and some were donated following the initiative's publicity.