Nightingales Medical Trust of Bengaluru has rolled out a campaign called “Donate a Memory,” inviting individuals to contribute vintage household items such as old radios, gramophones, black‑and‑white televisions, tape recorders, rotary phones and more. These objects will be repurposed for Smriti Gram, India’s first integrated dementia care village being built near Doddaballapur.

Why Vintage Objects Matter for Dementia Care

India’s aging population is facing a rising prevalence of dementia, and conventional care models often fall short of addressing emotional and cognitive needs. Research shows that familiar artifacts—like a grandfather’s brass utensil or a hand‑cranked sewing machine—can stimulate neural pathways linked to long‑term memory, prompting recognition, conversation and reduced anxiety.

Smriti Gram: A Holistic Care Model

The inaugural phase, slated for September 2026, will host a 100‑bed residential facility, a training academy, and a research‑innovation hub. The campus will feature Reminiscence Corners, Music Therapy Rooms, Art and Craft Studios, Sensory Spaces, and Therapeutic Activity Areas, each curated around everyday objects that seniors would have encountered throughout their lives. The initiative aims to set a national benchmark for person‑centred dementia care.

Call for Donations

The Trust seeks contributions of items including vintage radios, gramophones, black‑and‑white TVs, tape recorders, rotary phones, hurricane lamps, traditional grinding stones, brass and copper utensils, firewood stoves, sewing machines, typewriters, wall clocks, calendars, traditional musical instruments and other household relics. “These objects may no longer serve a practical purpose at home, but for a person living with dementia they become powerful memory triggers that evoke recognition, comfort and joy,” said S. Premkumar Raja, Secretary and Co‑Founder of Nightingales Medical Trust.

Evidence‑Based, Integrated Care

Smriti Gram will blend evidence‑based clinical services, therapeutic environmental design, non‑pharmacological interventions, rehabilitation, caregiver training and research under one roof. By integrating modern medicine with evidence‑informed complementary therapies, the village seeks to preserve dignity, independence and quality of life for residents. The project is envisioned as a national demonstration centre for dementia care innovation and workforce development.

How to Contribute

Individuals, families, institutions and organisations wishing to donate vintage or traditional items can email [email protected] or call 080‑42426565.