Member Article

HICA'S NEW ‘MAGIC TABLE’ HELPS DEMENTIA RESIDENTS

Hull Kingston Rovers’ utility player Craig Hall is supporting a local care home that will become the first on Humberside to use an interactive ‘magic table’ light game to improve the lives of people living with advanced dementia.

The popular player joined the Deputy Lord Mayor, Cllr Steve Wilson, and Councillor Gwen Lunn, together with local GPs and physiotherapists, at the Hica Group’s Elm Tree Court care home on Preston Road to unveil its new Tovertafel system.

The technology allows table top light games to be played to stimulate physical, mental and social activity for many residents living with mid to late stage dementia.

The £22,000 investment to improve residents’ lives and promote greater physical movement will see other systems installed at The Hollies and Buckshaw in Chorley in the coming months.

First developed in the Netherlands and already in use in other parts of the UK, the Tovertafel consists of a portable box suspended from the ceiling projecting interactive sensory stimulating images on to any surface below.

Residents will be able to play a selection of stimulating games that feature animals, flowers and other everyday items such as balls on their own or under supervision.

The care home provider identified the need for the enhanced dementia care provision, making the commitment to invest in state-of-the-art healthcare technology and leading the way in improved wellbeing for care home residents on Humberside.

Playing light games can also help to calm down residents who might become aggressive while for those who are withdrawn, it can encourage them to come together with family members and friends to have some fun.

Craig Hall is among many people who have helped to raise money to ensure the Tovertafel concept is brought to life within the Hica Group.

He said: “I’m delighted to be involved and lend my support to this event. Dementia is a cruel illness and anything that can be done to help those living with the condition has to be welcomed.”

Hica has also organised several initiatives over the last 12 months to raise funds to buy the equipment through its SHINE Fund, including a 25-mile sponsored walk by CEO Penni Brown to mark her 25 years’ service.

Local companies have also chipped in with contributions, said Brian Johnson, Hica’s wellbeing lead, who added: “As a leading care provider we are committed to providing innovative solutions that improve residents’ wellbeing.

“Tovertafel will be a great success and enhancement to our activities and wellbeing programmes. I would like to thank all those who have helped to raise funds or lend their support, to make this occasion become a reality. It’s really appreciated.”

CEO Penni Brown added: “We are pleased to be able to make the necessary and significant investments in wellbeing technology after identifying a requirement. Wellbeing is at the heart of the Hica ethos, so we very much look forward to seeing Tovertafel making a difference and being enjoyed for years to come.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by The Hica Group .