Interactive projector works its magic with Portland residents

Aged care residents are benefiting from much more than just fun and games following the installation of a Tovertafel interactive projector at Portland Tabulam Health Centre.

Also known as a ‘magic table’, the Tovertafel uses new therapeutic technology to project interactive light animations and games onto a tabletop. The animations respond to hand movement, allowing residents to interact with the projections through fun activities they can play on their own or in large groups.

Touching colourful fish and watching as they respond and move through rippling water and under water lilies is just one the Tovertafel activities popular with the residents at Portland Tabulam.

The Tovertafel applies evidence-based play therapy to stimulate physical activity and social interaction. The technology is beneficial for improving physical, cognitive, social and sensory levels for older people and people living with dementia.

Nichole Simmons, Nurse Manager at Portland Tabulam Health Centre says the Tovertafel is a valuable new addition to the Centre.

“The Tovertafel has created so much happiness for our residents and it’s become a very popular activity,” says Nichole.

“Our residents enjoy playing with it and we love to hear the laughter and chatter coming from groups when it’s in use.”

Nichole says the Tovertafel’s benefits extend well beyond the entertainment value it provides.

“It allows residents to engage with each other in a really fun way. Our residents all benefit from socialising around the Tovertavel and that really enhances their quality of life,” Nichole says.

The Tovertafel was generously donated to Portland Tabulam Health Centre by the family of Joan Harvison, a former resident of the Centre.

The Harvison family kindly donated the Tovertafel to Portland Tabulam Health Centre

“Our mum, Joan Harvison, passed away at Portland Tabulam on 8 August 2022, eight weeks short of her 100th birthday. She was a resident there for nearly six years, and during this time it not only became her home, but everyone there became her family,” says the Harvison family.

“Every one of the staff members were so supportive, caring and kind to mum. We always felt they thought of her and everyone there as more than just residents.”

“The Tovertafel donation was our way of thanking residents and staff for their unwavering care, love and support to not only mum, but to our family. We are thrilled to hear that they all enjoy using it,” the Harvison family says.

Nichole says, “We are incredibly grateful to the Harvison family for gifting us such a generous and thoughtful donation. The Tovertafel is a significant contribution to the activities we can offer our residents and it delivers great benefits for them too.”