Where I work the Heritage Outreach team provides Reminiscence training to carers and care workers of people with dementia. We have a sample training kit which includes things like old toys and games, postcards, various products in retro packaging including sweets and soaps, old advertising posters, old radio recordings on CD, etc.

The training includes an element of engaging dementia sufferers into telling stories about their past which if the family is willing are recorded. We have had many comments from carers stating they get their loved ones back during reminiscence therapy. It is like they never went away.

I don't think our local authority would pay for entertainers especially since they are now selling the service described above when they used to give it free to any who requested it.

Good on you Northerner. Good luck with this venture and may you reap great spiritual rewards.