Residents at an Angus care home have been getting to grips, literally, with a state-of-the-art sensory table designed to have a positive effect on people living with dementia.
Residents at Balhousie Lisden care home in Kirriemuir have been captivated and entertained by the Magic Table 360, an interactive light projector from Social Ability, a venture specialising in dementia-focused products.
The table benefits those living with dementia by offering sensory stimulation, relaxation and tools to help people reminisce. It projects lights that react to a person’s movements amongst many other sensory activities including brain puzzles, painting, star-gazing and seasonal games which are regularly rotated to keep the activities fresh and exciting for residents.
The sensory table’s positive effects include helping improve mood and behaviour, particularly in people in the mid-later stages of dementia. The reminiscence activities in particular also encourage people who have been more withdrawn to engage with others more.
Currently trialling the table, Richard Lake, Home Manager at Balhousie Lisden, has enjoyed seeing it enjoyed by many of the home’s residents. He said:
“We are always looking for ways to support our residents living with dementia and the positive effects of using the Magic Table 360 are clear to see. It has been wonderful seeing all our residents, but particularly those with dementia, engage with and thoroughly enjoy the activities and games this extra special table has to offer.”
Lindsay Dingwall, Clinical Care Quality Manager at Balhousie Care Group, said:
“Lisden’s magic table provides a wonderful opportunity for Residents to communicate and engage with each other and with staff. The table will encourage lively physical and social interactions and contribute to a therapeutic environment with positivity and activity.”
