Dementia patients at play are getting a little boost from the community on Spirit Day 2023 May 11.
Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation is hosting their annual radiothon fundraising event to support those in need in the community.
Seniors with dementia will be offered the use of a therapeutic tool called the Tovertafel Magic Table Projection System designed to use in a healthcare setting where residents are invited to engage in play while expanding their cognitive, social and sensory levels.
“It all started when the Tovertafel System was brought to our attention by a donor who had seen it in action,” Aimee Cassie, Spirit of the North CEO, said.
Thanks to the donor there are already three Tovertafels in place at Gateway’s dementia neighbourhoods, Cassie said.
“Through conversation with Northern Health and a seniors’ facility we were asked to round out the funding and of course this is something we love to support,” she added.
Northern Health seniors long term care facilities Parkside, Rainbow and Jubilee would each like one for their dementia residents.
“The Tovertafel is available 24/7 so families who are visiting their loved ones can use it, volunteers and staff can use it any time of the day or if a resident is not able to settle during the night it’s a great activity to engage them in,” Lynn Aucoin, recreational therapy supervisor at Gateway Lodge, said.
There are a variety of settings within the system so the resident is met where they’re at, she added.
“So it can be very simple to advanced so it can be set at just bursting bubbles on the table to something a bit more engaging like putting a puzzle together,” Aucoin explained. “It’s neat that it can be adjusted for the needs of our residents. It’s a table that was created using research done with actual dementia clients.”
So this is a system that is targeted specifically for the needs of those with dementia, which is something that Aucoin said does not happen very often – usually they have to try to adapt a game suited best for children and somehow make it appropriate for adults.
“So for example on the puzzle setting you can choose the era for the subject, so you can pick the 60s and we did that for one of our clients and she picked an-old-fashioned typewriter which then prompted a conversation about how she used a typewriter like that back in the day,” Aucoin said.
The Tovertafel Projection System has allowed those visits with a family member with advanced dementia to become something joyous and engaging, Aucoin added.
“Sometimes it’s really difficult when you’re visiting with someone whose short-term memory is non-existent at times,” Aucoin explained.
Normal chit chat might not work so asking how they are, what they had for breakfast, what they’ve done today aren’t questions they can answer.
“So with this table you can engage a resident in an activity and those visits are going much better for some of those families who have been having a really hard time visiting with their loved ones in the past,” Aucoin said.
Aucoin said she spoke with a son and daughter-in-law who had been having a hard time connecting with their mom.
“We love the Tovertafel table,” they said. “It provides a great way to interact with Mom. We’re so limited with activity and often just sit and make conversation which doesn’t really go far but the table creates stimulation and curiosity and lends itself to some humour and laughter and others then come to the table to see what we’re doing and watch and join in – a little camaraderie and fun for all.”
“And to me that just sums it all up and warms my heart because that’s exactly what we’re trying to do,” Aucoin said.
Spirit of the North’s CEO, Aimee, said they couldn’t be happier to support this fundraising effort for a great cause.
The cost for three tables is about $50,000 and everyone is encouraged to give generously to help with that financial goal.
The Spirit Day Radiothon takes place at the Prestige Treasure Cove from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. live on The River and Rewind Radio.
