Mowlam Healthcare invests in further care innovation for Memory Care residents with interactive ‘Magic Table’

Mowlam Healthcare continues its programme of investment in care innovation, dementia environmental design and state-of-the-art healthcare technology to improve and enhance the quality of life of their Memory Care Centre residents. Research-led Tovertafel ‘Magic Table’ technology has been installed in Adare & District Memory Care Centre, Co Limerick, for the benefit of residents living with dementia.

The Tovertafel, which means ‘magic table’ in English, is a Dutch innovation that consists of a series of interactive table-top light games projected from the ceiling, specially designed to help residents with complex dementia needs to experience the three main outcomes of play: relaxation, sensation and reminiscence and to be more active socially, cognitively and physically.

Using interactive light projections the ‘Magic Table’ games are designed in an energising way – the attention-grabbing light invites residents to play, all the while stimulating movement in activities such as popping bubbles, sweeping leaves or interacting with fish.

Director of Nursing, Arthur Stritch, said:

‘The ‘Magic Table’ catches the attention of residents, even if they’re just walking by and having a look. Residents also stop and play a game of football or make a jigsaw. And what it enables them to do is hook into their cognitive memory and skills. The more we can get a Memory Care resident’s mind active and engaged positively, the more we can slow down the dementia process. We don’t claim to stop or cure dementia but we can, through our various activities and therapies and by the way our Memory Care Centre environment was designed, slow down the dementia process and make our residents’ stay here more positive.”