Interacting in new ways with individuals who have dementia can be rewarding yet challenging. Finding compelling activities takes creativity as families seek ways to connect with their loved ones. Bethany Village Memory Support staff work tirelessly to find new and clever ways to bring remarkable experiences to residents with dementia.
Options for resident engagement now include games from a specialized console called the Tovertafel. This device, known by staff as the “Tover,” is a special projector mounted to the ceiling that sends interactive light projections onto a table. Its interactive games are proven to support cognitive, physical, sensory and social function in persons with dementia.
The Tover has had an instant social impact, creating an inclusive environment for residents with varying cognitive abilities. Brande’ Watras, Nurse Manager at Bethany Village, described a group sitting around the table, playing a game of soccer with their hands. “We found that some of the residents were encouraging their peers to play. It was incredible to witness the sense of accomplishment and purpose residents felt by helping their peers participate.”
These games, and the involvement of the staff, have brought residents together in remarkable ways as they can play one-on-one or in groups, with caregivers, or with family members.
“For grandchildren, it feels like a video game. They can pick it up quickly and engage with their family members through the Tover. It’s helping to facilitate connections that otherwise might not happen.”
The Tover has also been a springboard for activities to reach residents on a deeper level. One popular game has residents “rake” leaves on the projector table. Staff brought fallen leaves from outside to have residents see, touch and smell as they played the game, and asked questions inviting residents to share their memories and autumn experiences.
“We can ask questions along with each game and talk about their memories,” said Brande’. Their faces light up with recognition and the confidence of the players grows as they play the games and share memories.
“Part of the challenge of dementia is that residents are overwhelmed and may struggle making choices. The Tover gives more opportunities to exercise cognition and keep skills longer. Now, we have more options that give them the power of choice. There’s a sense of fulfillment for residents in being able to decide how they’re going to spend their days.”
Brande’ Watras, Nurse Manager, Bethany Village
Funding for the two Tovertafels at Bethany Village was made possible by Premier Health, the Mary Mikesell Foundation, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church-Cincinnati, the Dayton Rotary Foundation, Dayton Foundation and Brighter Tomorrow Foundation.
See more stories in Graceworks’ 2023 Annual Report: Remarkable People
