Health. A new tool is on everyone’s lips at the Activity Center of the Haut-Richelieu Alzheimer’s Society. The organization is only the second in Quebec to equip itself with the Tovertafel, an interactive table that calms restless behavior.
The psychosocial intervention tool has a Dutch name meaning ‘magic table’. This is exactly what it leads its users to believe. Thanks to sensory sensors, his projections of digital images react to the movements of the hands over the table.
The possibilities are manifold. You can pretend to look for a ladybug in a pile of dead leaves or play a game of soccer with your hands. Around the Tovertafel there is space for eight to ten people. People with reduced mobility can also participate at the same time as the others. The animators lend them styrofoam noodles to reach even the most remote places.
“It is exactly in line with our mission to expand the relief support,” says Nathalie Mercier, Managing Director of the Alzheimer Society Haut-Richelieu. Cognitive stimulation is a key factor in symptom relief. The Tovertafel has a strong influence on this. It promotes hand-eye coordination and has a calming and stimulating effect. With Alzheimer’s you need both. »
dusk
Since January, users of the Alzheimer Society’s Haut-Richelieu activity center have been discovering the Tovertafel. The animation team is particularly fond of using it at dusk, a time of day that is often frightening for people with dementia.
“The responses are extraordinary,” says Katheryne Pinsonnault, rest and stimulation centers coordinator. Users really like it. It gets her attention a lot. When the sun goes down and they become more restless, they return straight to the present moment. »
Because the Tovertafel is still very new, the Alzheimer’s Society is conducting regular follow-up surveys with their groups and carers to measure the benefits. These are already noticeable, says Ms. Pinsonnault. “It’s so nice to see you!” she said. They encourage each other and experience beautiful feelings. It leaves a positive impression on them. On their next visit, users feel reassured. »
Contribution
The Caisse Desjardins du Haut-Richelieu paid the entire bill for the purchase of the device, i.e. $17,250. “This project is a real favorite as it not only allows users to live better with the disease but also brings relief to their loved ones. When we see the participants’ smiles when we visit them, we can confirm that our mission has been accomplished,” says Serge Parent, Executive Vice President of the Caisse.
Thanks to several levels of difficulty, the Tovertafel adapts to all stages of the disease. The Société Alzheimer Haut-Richelieu would like to be able to offer all its members the Tovertafel. The device is mobile and can be moved to its other locations.