Posted on: Thursday 15 December 2022
Residents living in care settings across Torfaen are trialling new technology which can help to reduce falls and stimulate movement and interaction.
Seventeen care settings have adopted the interactive ‘Magic Tables’ - a specialist piece of kit designed for people living with dementia, learning disabilities, autism, acquired brain injury and other care needs.
The technology consists of a series of games, played through a projector, whereby light responds to hands, arms and objects that move through the light, helping to increase physical, social, and cognitive stimulation.
Ty Nant Ddu Day Care Centre in Pontypool is one setting that’s using the new technology. Eva Taylor, 76, who lives with dementia, enjoys taking part in the sessions each week, she said, ”I like the fish pond and bubble pop, it helps me to relax.”
Gareth Israel, 69, who is living with Parkinson’s Disease, said: “I enjoy playing the games with my friends, I like the competitiveness of the football game and I also like doing the puzzles.”
As well as aiming to reduce falls, the technology also looks to enhance emotional well-being, create shared experiences for loved ones and improve sleep-wake cycles.
The project has been made possible through funding from Welsh Government via the Gwent Regional Partnership Board to deliver a ‘Happiness Programme’ in partnership with Social Ability.
The Happiness Programme is a service designed to provide ongoing support and engagement for a range of care settings in Gwent, including Care Homes, Day Care Centres, Hospitals, and others as part of Gwent Regional Partnership Board’s Assistive Technology Programme.
Torfaen Executive Member for Social Care and Housing, Councillor David Daniels, said: "We continue to see exciting and innovative technology being developed to improve the well-being of people living with all sorts of life conditions.
“The potential for the Happiness Programme to improve the physical and mental well-being of people across Torfaen is very promising.
“Our goal is to help Torfaen citizens to live as happily and independently as possible. To achieve this, our Assistive Technology service is constantly on the lookout for innovation which will make a difference to the lives of Torfaen people."
More information about the Happiness Programme can be found on the Gwent RPB website