Mornington community funds interactive technology improving wellbeing of aged care residents

The wellbeing of Benetas Corowa Court residents is on the rise thanks to state-of-the-art Tovertafel technology, which uses fun and interactive games to support older people, including those with dementia.

The ceiling-mounted technology, which projects interactive games onto flat surfaces, was installed at the home in August and was funded from sales at the nearby Corowa Court Opportunity Shop.

Residents have already shown real improvements since interacting with Tovertafel games, which include swiping at leaves, polishing silverware, touching projected musical notes to hear sounds and reminiscing while singing along to classic songs.

Independent studies have shown the specially designed games stimulate cognitive, physical, social, and sensory activity, which promote happiness and improve quality of life.

The technology also reduces apathy and restlessness and improves the relationship between residents and carers while having a positive effect on daily activities to increase social interaction and physical activity.

Benetas CEO Sandra Hills OAM said residents, particularly those with dementia, had gained clear benefit from playing the games.

Ms Hills thanked opportunity shop patrons who, by making a purchase, were improving the lives of Corowa Court residents.

“This is a great result for the Mornington community who have supported the wellbeing of the aged care home’s residents simply by visiting their local opportunity shop,” Ms Hills said.

“Tovertafel has already made a real and observable difference to residents, with our team members noticing immediate improvements in engagement and socialisation.”

Corowa Court resident Margaret Nesbitt described the technology as marvellous.

“It brings a bit of colour and movement to lives, especially for those who can’t be as active as they used to be, I think it’s fantastic,” Margaret said.

Benetas is also in the process of installing the Tovertafel technology across its other aged care homes, including St Paul’s Terrace in Frankston.