Elder Care

An easy, fun and engaging reminiscence activity shown to have positive memory benefits in retirement living settings

A novel reminiscence program centered around HippoCamera

Whether you’ve got a structured reminiscence program in your retirement living or homecare organization, or if you want to introduce one, HippoCamera is unique! Developed by experts in cognitive psychology and neuroscience, HippoCamera has been shown to boost memory for specific events by over 50% and sharpen activity in the hippocampus, the area of the brain responsible for taking recent memories and making them last for the long term.

As we age, the hippocampus can become less effective, especially when a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s is involved. The platform works with cognitively normal individuals and those with a memory deficit - leading to a significant boost in recall for important life events.

Learn more about the science behind HippoCamera.

Reminiscence, with a difference!

HippoCamera is the only neuroscience-guided, personalized platform that combines enjoyable reminiscence activities with demonstrated memory benefits.

Deepen social connections

Staff can schedule fun, group reminiscence sessions where individuals share their memories to create a focal point for social interaction.

A community building activity

We’ve developed and tested programs in a retirement living environment that foster positive involvement between residents and with staff.

Our story: Dementia, Memory, and Connection

Like so many of us, Dr. Morgan Barense watched a loved one experience memory loss. In honour of her grandmother, she worked with other leading neuroscientists to create HippoCamera.

What people are saying about our reminiscence program

A lot of caregivers are asking ‘How do we keep going with a loved one and maintain a meaningful relationship?’ HippoCamera is a way to share memories and maintain connection.

- Geriatric residential living executive director

I really enjoyed the HippoCamera reminiscence program. The events were happy memories and it was a joy to review them.

- HippoCamera Reminiscence Program Participant

This is a tool that can sustain and deepen relationships. It facilitates conversation. Instead of asking a basic question like ‘What did you do today?’, HippoCamera lets us have a more meaningful conversation about specific events.

- Long-term care senior executive

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the evidence of memory improvement using HippoCamera?

Individuals using HippoCamera for a few minutes a day experienced an average boost of over 50% in their ability to remember specific events that lasted over a 3 month period, even without HippoCamera use. Read more about the results of our studies here.

What is the typical experience in a retirement living environment?

Our programs in retirement living have fostered positive interaction between residents and between staff and residents. Feedback on HippoCamera is that it’s fun, easy to use, and individuals feel it improves their memory for the events they’ve recorded and replayed.

How much training is involved and what level of experience do staff need to manage the program?

We’ve developed effective training and onboarding materials for both staff and residents. Subsequently, you can determine how much structured interaction to carry out with residents who’ve used the platform. Individuals need to only use HippoCamera 3-5 minutes per day to get beneficial effects. Sites that have implemented reminiscence discussion groups have found that it fostered positive interaction between residents and between staff and residents. No special experience is required for staff to use the platform.

Can people with memory impairments benefit from HippoCamera?

Our research showed that even individuals showing early signs of cognitive decline, or those with more severe memory impairments from a traumatic brain injury, can enjoy memory benefits from using HippoCamera.

What do people in Elder Care settings say about HippoCamera?

Choose an event that makes that day special. As you go through your life ask yourself “What do I want to remember about today?” Just that simple act of reflecting on which events are important to remember will improve memory.

What are the resource requirements to implement a reminiscence program with HippoCamera?

Individuals will need an iOS or Android smartphone or tablet to use the HippoCamera platform.

How much does the HippoCamera Reminiscence Program cost?

Our team will work with you to determine pricing that will allow you to achieve an acceptable level of ROI for your organization.

How does HippoCamera support sites that have implemented the Reminiscence Program?

HippoCamera provides customized materials, training, and live support throughout the program. In addition, we provide a program reporting module that shows overall utilization and resident feedback.