Care home residents will be able to use “pop up” reminiscence “pods” from this month, under a scheme launched by the City of York Council.

The council has invested in three “retro sets” to encourage residents to reminisce about their experiences. The three scenarios are a 1940s shop, a pub scene and a garden shed.

“The pods provide a complete environment with things to see, touch and interact with”

Studies show that reminiscing can help people living with dementia to cope better with stress, creating a calmer and happier environment in the home, noted the council.

Each pod is moveable, meaning all care home residents can benefit from the activities that take place.

They may also be used in some of the council’s sheltered housing accommodation, said a spokeswoman for the local authority, who told Nursing Times that the total cost was £4,000 to fit three

pods with furniture and stock.

Jo Bell, York’s head of adult social care services, said: “Many people living with dementia find it very comforting and reassuring to talk about past experiences.

“The pods provide a complete environment with things to see, touch and interact with, they help staff to start conversations with residents about their lives, as well as enabling residents

to browse round the new environments and recall memories and experiences from when they were growing up,” she said.

She added that the council hoped they would prove to be another “useful tool” to help support care home residents living with dementia.

Carol Runciman, the council’s executive member for adult social care and health, said: “Figures show that there are just under 3,000 people living with dementia in York at present.

“With this figure set to rise further over the next few years, it’s vitally important that we find new and innovative ways to support people with dementia, their families and carers,” she

said.