Care Home Adds To Their Dementia Care Services with New Interactive Magic Table

Barchester Healthcare care home Hollyfields, located in Kidderminster have added to their dementia services by installing the Tovertafel ‘Magic Table’ within the home. A care home with complex dementia services, the magic table has made a big impact at the home for residents of all capacities.

The ‘Magic Table’ is an award-winning innovation that promotes stimulation and instinctive participation through specialised games. Hollyfield’s staff, residents and their grandchildren have been enjoying afternoons of fun with the newly purchased Tovertafel.

Created in the Netherlands, the Tovertafel uses interactive games to connect people in the mid-to-late stages of dementia with each other, their family members and friends, all the while stimulating movement. Using interactive light projections, the Tovertafel, which can be played independently or as a group, invites participants to pop bubbles, sweep leaves or interact playfully with fish. Another game generates a series of well-known sayings and phrases, which often sparks discussion and brings back memories. Games are rich in colour, movement and detail, and allows people of all ages to play in a safe and comfortable environment.

Hollyfields Care Home has seen significant improvements in residents’ interaction since the introduction of the Tovertafel. Michael Butler, Activities Coordinator, said: “The impact that the Tovertafel has had in a short space of time has been incredible. Residents who didn't tend to join in conversations or were prone to becoming agitated have become engaged, and many have shown absolute delight when playing these games. It has been a real joy to see the increased interaction from residents within our home with the table and with each other.”

John Ramsay, the CEO of Shift 8 Limited, the company which brought the Tovertafel to the UK, said: “We are delighted by the overwhelming response of the residents at Hollyfields Care Home when using the Tovertafel. Designed to create moments of happiness for the residents, it is heart-warming to provide positive and invaluable experiences, with residents more motivated to interact with staff, family and carers alike.” 

Hollyfields Care Home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering high-quality care across its care homes and hospitals. Wimborne provides residential care, nursing care and dementia care for 43 residents from respite care to long term stays.