Games console brings "magic" to the lives of people with dementia

Thursday 25 February 2021

The residents of a specialist dementia ward are benefiting from an innovative new games console which stimulates movement and allows them to "play with light".

The ‘magic table’, known as the Tovertafel, has been used by residents on Roustel Ward and by other service users with dementia.

The Tovertafel is an innovation table that "connects people in the late stage of their dementia journey with each other and with their surroundings". It stimulates movement through an interactive light projector that responds to hand and arm movements, enabling residents to play with the light.

Reverend Linda Le Vasseur, Lead Chaplain at the PEH and Oberlands, was the driving force behind a fundraising project that saw the Pargiter Trust and the Smile for Georgie Foundation come forward with the funds needed. 

“When Ward Manager Stuart Houlihan told me about his wish to have a Tovertafel that Roustel Ward and other dementia patients would be able to use, explaining how beneficial the table would be, I really wanted to help make it happen," said Rev. Le Vasseur. 

“My role as a Chaplain is all about supporting people, so helping to fundraise for this equipment was a perfect way to do this. I am delighted with the way it has all come together.”

Smile for Georgie Trustee Jenny Le Prevost said the table is not only therapeutic, but also provides some fun during family visits. 

"We are sure that this interactive table will help foster a strong relationship between the staff and residents on the Roustel Ward, providing a fun activity that can be shared by all," she said. 

“Earlier this year, before we went into lockdown, I witnessed children using the magic table with their grandpa and the smile on all of their faces really brought home the importance of the equipment."

The Roustel Ward provides specialist care, primarily to individuals who have dementia and highly complex needs. 

Its Manager, Mr Houlihan, said the Tovertafel has proved a hit with the residents, particularly during this second island lockdown.  

“Wards within the Older Adult Mental Health Services had also started to use it, something we hope will be resumed as soon as it is safe to do so,” he said.

The Guernsey Community Foundation handles the Pargiter Trust's local grants. Chief Executive Jim Roberts said the new equipment has already made a big impact in a small window of time. 

“This co-funding project was a perfect fit for Pargiter’s grants programme, which is aimed at helping disadvantaged older people.

"It’s been wonderful to see how beneficial this piece of equipment has been, not only to patients with dementia, but to other service users within the healthcare system.”

Pictured top: Roustel Ward residents with the Tovertafel.