In 2017, an estimated 90,000 people in Scotland were living with dementia, almost 20,000 of this number live in Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife. Increasingly clinicians and care providers are turning to technology for solutions to improve the treatment of dementia. Viewpoint, a supported housing and care provider based in Edinburgh, has just launched a new technology led strategy to transform the way it cares for its residents with Dementia.

Tovertafel, which is also known as magic light, is a playful, interactive light projector that has been designed to meet the needs of those living with dementia. The combination of light, movement and vibrant colours have been proven to have a positive effect on engaging those with dementia and this is exactly what Torvertafel offers the residents.

Improving Quality of Life

This form of light therapy encourages them to move and have fun together, which in turn helps them to feel less lonely and isolated – a common side affect of dementia.  Along with the ability to play games, it helps to encourage communication and contributes to health and quality of life. Tovertafel has been installed in four of the companies care homes and is already having a positive impact on the residents, helping some to reconnect their past.

In one instance, a gentleman with Dementia stunned his family after recognising one of the flowers in a Tovertafel game to be the same as the flowers that he had at his wedding nearly 50 years ago. In another, a gentleman with a past love of painting was able to perform his hobby via Tovertafel, using the creative games, like the jigsaw, to produce his latest masterpieces. Viewpoint will also be introducing new technology to take over its more time-consuming administrative tasks, which will free up care staff to spend more time focus on caring for residents.

Lyn Jardine, Head of Innovation and Development, said:

“Technology is probably the last thing you think of when you think of care homes but this is proof that digital disruption is everywhere, even in the care sector.”

“When developing our latest dementia strategy, we wanted to focus on what we could do to make our homes more dementia friendly. Tovertafel has been a great success and we have seen a huge difference in many of our residents. They are stimulating interest and encouraging communication, something that can be difficult for those with dementia.”

“Our top priority is to make sure that our residents and tenants living with dementia continue to feel part of their community. By enhancing our administrative care processes with technology, we can create more time for our care staff to have that all important face-to-face interaction and engagement with our residents.”