Tech investment shines light on specialist dementia care at Elwick Grange

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Apr 03, 2019

Elwick Grange has invested in a specialist ‘Magic Table' to provide physical and emotional stimulation for people living with dementia.

The projection device is ceiling mounted in one of Elwick Grange’s dementia suites and uses game technology and infrared sensors to project onto a table. The technology responds to hand and arm movements, enabling residents to ‘touch’ flowers, ‘pop’ bubbles and ‘catch’ fish through colourful light. 

Wendy Winspear, deputy manager at Elwick Grange, explains the decision to invest in the clever technology: “Providing specialist dementia care is at the heart of what we do here at Elwick Grange, and this is just one way in which we can enhance the emotional wellbeing of our residents. 

“Our extensive experience of such care has shown that a common symptom of Dementia is apathy and physical inactivity. We’ve been using the new table for several weeks now, incorporating it into our existing dementia group activities, as well as on a one-to-one basis andit is already having a positive impact, instantly injecting fun, movement and engagement into these sessions.” 

The technology may be clever, but the outcomes are beautifully simple; creating moments of happiness and laughter between resident and carer, in addition to visiting family as Wendy adds:

“The Magic Table has really enhanced overall levels of social interaction throughout the home, with residents naturally being drawn over to it, including those who have traditionally been quite detached or uncommunicative. Witnessing pure pleasure in their faces and seeing inter-generational play when families visit with grandchildren, has been magical to see and we’re delighted that we’ve been able to install such a powerful piece of high-quality technology.”