Anchor’s Beech Hall has installed the Tovertafel ‘magic table’ as part of its anniversary celebrations.
The award-winning innovation comes from the Netherlands, which is renowned for its cutting-edge approach to dementia care.
The Tovertafel includes a series of activities for people living with mid to late stage dementia. It has been designed to encourage instinctive participation, inviting engagement and stimulating a level of physical and social activity rarely seen in people living with dementia in the later stages of their journey.
The visual, invigorating Tovertafel games can be played independently or in groups and have been researched and designed alongside people living with dementia so that they exactly match their needs. Taking part helps with health and quality of life and the Tovertafel can create amazing moments of happiness for staff, family members and loved ones alike.
Davina Hemingway, the care home manager at Beech Hall says: “This ‘moving image’ device has been installed in the home for a relatively short period but has already seen some outstanding results from our residents.
"There is no doubt it has helped those living with dementia, but it has other benefits too; it has helped others improve their hand/eye co-ordination and one of the most delightful things to see is the total joy it brings to residents playing the simplest of games with their grandkids when they come and visit.”
John Ramsay, the CEO of Shift 8 Limited – the company which brought the Tovertafel to the UK – says: “We are delighted by the overwhelming responses of the residents at Beech Hall when using the Tovertafel. Designed to create moments of happiness for the residents, it is heart warming to provide positive and invaluable experiences, with residents more motivated to interact with staff, family and carers alike.”
