Cutting edge technology installed at Willow Gardens

Anchor’s Willow Gardens care home in Yateley, Hampshire has had the latest cutting edge technology installed in its home. Tovertafel (‘Magic Table’ in Dutch) has already proved a huge hit with residents following its installation last week.

This award-winning innovation comes from The Netherlands, which is renowned for its cutting-edge approach to dementia care.

The Tovertafel contains 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 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.   

Angela McCormack, the home manager said: “This ‘Moving Image’ device has already seen some outstanding results from our residents.  There is no doubt it is helping those living with dementia, but it has other benefits too; it helps 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."

Chris Baird, Head of Business Development at Shift 8 Limited, the company which brought the Tovertafel to the UK said: "Tovertafel allows you to interact with your loved ones and we are delighted to have installed Willow Garden’s first device. Tovertafel creates moments of happiness for the residents. As the images are just beams of light, nothing can get lost or broken. No one can get hurt. The Tovertafel provides a positive and invaluable experience, with residents more motivated to interact with staff, their families and carers.”