The Clearwater Curiosity Thrift Shoppe recently purchased a very unique ‘projector’ for the residents of the long-term care facility, Forest View Place which is part of Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital. The concept is an innovative way to encourage activity, both cognitive and physical to those residents possibly challenged by mobility issues, dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other conditions that have limited their daily life actions.
Thrift shop volunteer, Shelley Pelton, who discovered this creative projector, said "I had been on a mission searching for something to help make my 96-year-old dad’s (Hoagy Carmichael) life a little more stimulating, colourful and interesting. I came across this interactive table for patients who are living with dementia online and knew instantly it was just what I was looking for.”
“After making connections with the right people who were just as enthusiastic about this product as I was, we were finally able to make it happen.”
Pelton approached a few people before connecting with “the right people” who were receptive to her idea. “They were as enthusiastic as I was about making this happen and we finally did. The thanks goes to the Curiosity Thrift Shoppe for their $15,000 donation to purchase this amazing projector. It’s already made such a difference in the lives of many of the residents of Forest View Place.”
Clearwater Curiosity Thrift Shoppe member, Lori Redman, echoed the enthusiasm Pelton has in finding something so innovative to improve the daily lives of long-term residents, saying, “The volunteers at the thrift shop are delighted that we made this happen. The residents at Forest View Place and their families will benefit from this high-tech addition for many years. Thanks to Shelley Pelton for sharing her dream with us and bringing it to reality.”
Pelton described the first demo when a product rep from the company Tovertafel visited the residence to set up the projector and train staff and residents as well as family members in how to use the system.
“I have to say, when we were given the first hands-on demonstration of the table and its 43 different activities and games it was like an ‘Awakening’ (referring to the movie starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro) took place," Pelton says. "Laughter, huge smiles and social interaction among the residents and staff brought tears of joy to my eyes. I knew then that it was going to be a welcomed addition to their environment. It also gives family members old and young alike a special new way to connect with their loved ones on a different level. I can’t wait to take my grandson in to visit Grampa and have them play alongside one another."
The proud daughter attributes the generosity of Clearwater residents who consistently support the thrift shop through donations and shopping. Monies earned are donated to Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital via the hospital auxiliary for new equipment, improving services and supplies needed in the hospital and long-term care facility.
Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital manager, Heidi Schilling, is equally impressed and has been approached with some ideas and requests that could potentially enhance special needs children in the future. “We are considering the potential such inspiring and innovative technology can bring to our valley in the future. This interactive concept has created such joy and stimulation for our residents of Forest View in the short time since it’s been installed. Not only can it be used on a table but another flat surface like a floor and comes with multiple programs in a variety of levels. Even if a person has limited mobility, they can use a spatula to create motion and become engaged in a game or action.”
Some of the games the residents and staff have been enjoying include guessing games, wack-a-mole, puzzles, playing music, mimicking bread making, planting a garden complete with harvesting, soccer, art and more.
The product website explains the versatility of this interactive gaming system for “complex and differentiated care needs” that projects “engaging light games onto surfaces” which is designed to offer stimulation socially, physically and through sensory and cognitive interaction on a variety of levels which “enhances the quality of life” to those participating.
You can learn more about Tovertafel’s concept at: https://www.tover.care/ca-en/
