OneCare Barossa Park has today trialled a ground-breaking technology to improve the quality of life of its residents – particularly those living with dementia.
The Tovertafel is an innovative technology which projects light and movement onto a table or surface, providing interactive games that respond to players’ hand and arm movements.
OneCare Barossa Park Facility Manager, Rebecca Sherring, said they were encouraged to try the technology after seeing positive results in other facilities around the world.
“It’s a wonderful innovation that helps connect people with each other and with their surroundings, providing social, cognitive and physical stimulation,” Ms Sherring said.
“Studies have shown that using the Tovertafel breaks through apathy, reduces sadness in nursing home residents and stimulates physical activity.
“Our number one priority is the health and wellbeing of our residents and we’re constantly looking for ways we can improve the quality of life of those we care for.
“We have a number of residents living with dementia and after trialling this technology, I believe it would vastly improve their experience here at Barossa Park.”
Jamie Boydon of Leef Independent Living Solutions, the sole Australian distributor for the technology, said the innovative system provides many moments of happiness to people living with dementia or an intellectual disability, with the beneficial effects lasting up to one week after playing.
“In a residential aged care setting, the technology also aims to improve conversation opportunities and self-esteem while helping residents to interact in a positive way with other people and their environment,” Mr Boydon said.
OneCare Executive Manager of People and Systems, Natalie Neilson, said after a prolonged period of uncertainty and high-stress due to COVID-19, it was exciting to see technology that could not only benefit residents, but also the facility’s hardworking and dedicated employees.
“The Tovertafel has a positive influence on carers of older people with dementia, which is particularly important for us as our employees have been through a tough time with high-workloads and regular disruption due to COVID-19 restrictions and protocols,” Ms Neilson said.
“We’re always looking for opportunities to support our people, as well as those we care for in our residential facilities.
“It’s a win-win for us as it increases job satisfaction of care professionals and provides residents an enjoyable and positive experience.”
