The frequently asked questions
Grand-Via: learn more about the therapeutic train car in this page. Such as the travel therapy, the content of the device, travel videos, therapeutic benefits, manufacturing and installation details, team training etc.
Concept and Therapeutic benefits
Travel therapy is a non-pharmacological treatment designed for elderly individuals with neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s or related conditions). It involves simulating a train journey within an immersive theater setting installed within the retirement home. This therapy was conceived in Italy in 2012 by Dr. Cilesi, who was seeking a solution to the issue of wandering and the desire of residents in his facility to leave.
Travel therapy is effective in addressing multiple symptoms of the disease. It helps reduce psycho-physical tension levels, prevent and decrease behavioral issues, promotes relaxation, stimulates memory, and enhances social interactions (communication and social connections). Additionally, it leads to a reduction in wandering behavior and a decrease in the consumption of medications (psychotropic drugs).
This therapy is suitable for patients with neurodegenerative and/or neurocognitive diseases (such as Alzheimer’s or related conditions) who exhibit behavior issues such as wandering, anxiety, mutism, apathy, refusal of food, or refusal of care. It also helps facilitate falling asleep.
The therapy can be used in nursing homes (EHPAD) and in long-term care units (USLD). Specific geriatric units dedicated to managing behavioral issues (such as SSR, UVA, UHR, UCC, UCAP, PASA) are also involved. Geriatric hospital services from any other domain dealing with this issue and therapeutic day care centers for the elderly can also implement it.
Traveling patients must always be accompanied by a therapist during the session. Anyone previously trained in the method can act as an escort (for example, an Animator, Psychologist, Psychomotor therapist, Occupational therapist, etc.). The cabin can accommodate up to 4 people, so an escort can take up to 3 patients on a journey or invite family members.
During sessions with the Grand-Via device, it is noteworthy to observe that nearly 80% of residents experience the sensation of engaging in an authentic train journey. This perception enhances the efficacy of the therapy by allowing a deeper immersion and consequently, an increased therapeutic benefit.
It is crucial to emphasize that, within the framework of this therapy, if a resident believes they are undergoing a genuine journey, it is neither necessary nor desirable to contradict them. Caregivers, specifically trained to work with the Grand-Via, adopt a patient-centered approach, respecting and accompanying the resident’s lived experiences and perceptions.
The ethical foundation of this approach lies in respecting the reality perceived by the resident. Instead of correcting or challenging their perception, caregivers are present to support and validate the resident’s experience. This method not only upholds the dignity and integrity of the individual but also establishes a therapeutic environment that is secure and compassionate, allowing residents to explore and express their emotions freely.
In summary, the residents’ sense of participating in a real journey is a key component of the effectiveness of the Grand-Via therapy. The caregiver’s approach, centered on support and respect for the residents’ perceptions, plays a crucial role in fostering their emotional and cognitive well-being.
An initial training is provided a few days after the installation of the device in the facility to the relevant personnel. Depending on the type of location and the institution’s operation, it is recommended that one or more individuals become points of reference for travel therapy to oversee the sessions. After the training, Recharjme is, of course, available to listen and respond with pleasure to any questions from your teams.
The Grand-Via Train Car
The « Grand-Via » device is a product co-designed by the French company SIGO and the University Hospital of Amiens (CHU d’Amiens). Its aim is to make travel therapy more accessible by offering it at the most affordable price possible.
The cabin and the set are entirely manufactured in Amiens, located in the Hauts-de-France region.
The cabin measures 10 foot in width and 8 foot in depth. It can be installed in both large spaces (entrance halls, activity rooms, etc.) and smaller spaces such as storage rooms, offices, or bedrooms. Ideally, the cabin should be placed in a location that allows for some visual distance from the front to enhance the realism of the experience.
To create the illusion of a longer carriage, it is possible to add extension panels to the front. These extension panels have a width of 3,3 foot each, and multiple panels can be connected to span from one end to the other of your room, effectively going from wall to wall. These extension panels can also be opened to provide storage space without sacrificing room space.
The Grand-Via cabin is delivered fully furnished. It includes, among other things, 4 comfortable armchairs, a large television screen, an adjustable intensity ceiling light, luggage racks, a suitcase, fake train tickets, a railway worker’s cap, and various small accessories.
The cabin has been designed to accommodate one or more individuals in wheelchairs. It is as simple as removing one or more armchairs from the cabin before the journey. To facilitate handling, the wheelchairs are equipped with sliding pads.
The travel videos showcase landscapes of countryside, mountains, and coastal areas, whether in sunny or snowy weather. Their durations range from 12 to 20 minutes. The soundtracks of each video have been modified to include only soothing rolling sounds and departure and arrival announcements at train stations. These refined sounds allow elderly individuals to concentrate on the visuals, immersing themselves in a « sound bath » that facilitates mental and physical relaxation. New videos are regularly produced and are sent to users by email as they become available, free of charge.
Currently, there are 10 travel videos available. New videos are regularly filmed, and they are subsequently sent to users via email free of charge as they become available.
Yes, the travel videos provided with the Grand-Via device are subject to copyright. It is prohibited for facilities to give, exchange, or resell them to other establishments. If you are contacted by another facility regarding this matter, you should redirect these individuals to the SIGO company.
Manufacturing and Installation
After selecting the location where you want to install the set, you need to send us the plans, photos, and measurements of the room by email.
The room dimensions should be measured accurately from the floor. The technical supervisor from your establishment will be connected with our installer to discuss any technical specifications that need to be taken into account.
To create your set, you must provide us with information for the design of visual elements, such as the names of cities to be placed on the station sign and the destination sign. You can also let us know your preferences regarding the colors of the train’s facade and any logos of sponsors to display.
The installation process typically takes between 2 and 3 days. Our installation team will make every effort to work discreetly so as not to disrupt the organization of your facility’s services.
A standard electrical outlet near the location of the television is all that is needed.
The materials used in the manufacturing of the device comply with the safety criteria established by the competent authorities.
The cabin is covered by a 5-year warranty. The television and the adjustable intensity ceiling light are both covered by a 2-year warranty, as are all electrical products.
The cabin can potentially be disassembled. It is advisable to engage the services of the SIGO company to ensure that the structure is not damaged during this process. Any disassembly or reassembly of the cabin by personnel outside of SIGO will void the product warranty.
Funding questions
Generally, establishments seek funding through grants from recognized institutions that support retirement homes, such as institutions and funders. You can either make a direct request or respond to a call for proposals issued by these organizations.
To assist you in completing your funding application documents, we provide you with a Word document free of charge that includes the information typically required for such applications. This Word document will save you valuable time in your administrative procedures.