Recommended by over 90% of subscribers
Recommended by over 90% of subscribers
Sensory rooms are an excellent way to create an immersive experience with the Magic Table 360. These are incredibly beneficial for residents who have restricted mobility, as well as for those who perhaps struggle socially. Allowing residents to interact with gentle environments, be stimulated by colour and sound and encouraging slow movements are all part of the wonderful benefits of sensory rooms, especially for reducing anxiety.
There are many pros to sensory rooms. They are a great way to slow things down for residents who need a moment to calm down or relax. Shutting out distractions is often a major plus as this allows the resident to stay focused and in the moment. Sensory rooms can also be great for other residents as they can provide a change of scenery from the usual.
However, they’re not without their downsides. Whilst sensory rooms are great, they’re often not accessible for many care homes and we appreciate this which is why our more sensory games can be used effectively in these rooms, but also in a regular setting.
We have developed some games that are incredibly useful for sensory rooms.
This is one of our most popular games for sensory rooms. Stargaze allows users to sit back and gaze at a starry night sky, all from the warmth and comfort of their dedicated room. The stars will respond and twinkle according to touch, so it can be both interactive and used for viewing pleasure. Accompanied by a relaxing soundtrack, this game is perfect for any dreamer looking to have a moment of peace.
Another popular one for sensory experiences, Ripples allows users to blissfully watch a calming ocean scene. The rippling water provides a very serene environment and can be great for users who miss being by the beach. Users can interact with the water and watch as it ripples gently beneath their touch, but it can also be just as effective from a viewing perspective.
Lounge rooms are great for communicative and group play. These communal areas are the perfect place for Magic Table 360 activities as they are already a hub of socialisation and interaction. This means that lounge rooms can be a natural place to introduce interactive light games, and get people engaging in activity as they would already feel comfortable doing so in the space. As a general meeting place, most people will have access to the technology within this space and you shouldn’t need to make too many adjustments to make everyone feel included.
However, lounge rooms can also be quite distracting and may divert the focus of residents. As one of the busier rooms in care homes, they may be fairly noisy or active which might make it harder for certain patients to focus on the games. Despite this, lounge rooms can be a great way to bring people together when playing the Magic Table 360.
We suggest games like:
This football themed team game is a good way to get residents working together towards a singular goal. Lounge rooms are generally one of the larger rooms, which allows for more space for residents to interact with this game. Gentle competition can inspire conversation between residents and staff.
Another good one for encouraging team work between the residents. Players can work together to pop all of the balloons before they disappear off into the sky. This can also be a great one for sparking conversations around memories, thinking back to special occasions, birthdays or weddings the residents can remember.
Dining and tea rooms are a good way to promote activity and engagement before mealtimes. We have seen the Magic Table 360 used in these rooms and the outcomes have been incredible, read our case study here for more information.
Using the Magic Table 360 in these environments allows more withdrawn residents to become much more responsive during mealtimes. In turn, this has led to weight gain and an increase in general well-being. Playing games with the residents before eating can make them more aware and alert before meals are served, which puts them in a good frame of mind allowing them to be more receptive and calm during these periods.
Games we would recommend in dining/tea rooms are:
Piano games can provide a positive environment for these settings. These games promote engagement and movement in a slow and gentle way which allows residents to take things at their own pace. You could have some fun with this one, pretending that the residents are in a fancy restaurant with live music for example.
This one is another slow and easy game that allows the residents to do things at their leisure. Players can sweep the leaves across whichever surface is being used, and look for hidden acorns among the brightly coloured leaves. These gentle activities allow residents to become focused and engaged before mealtimes without getting too over-excited.
The Magic Table 360 can be easily moved from room to room, including for use in bedrooms. We have spent a lot of time making sure that mobility is one of the main features of the projector. We know that it’s not always easy for everyone to access common areas in the home. This is why bedroom use is such a fantastic way to incorporate the Magic Table 360 into residents routines, especially those less able.
Here are our favourites for use on bedsheets and in bedrooms:
Bubble burst is a game that works just as well in bedrooms as it does in communal areas. Players can pop the bubbles that float around in the space around them. This game has been excellent for encouraging intergenerational play, with children enjoying this one just as much as the residents. It allows for subtle movement and concentration whilst also having lots of fun!
Finally, Flower Bloom is another gentle activity for those residents looking for a bit of calm and relaxation. Players watch as beautiful flowers grow underneath their touch. The more that they interact, the more flowers will spring up, creating a stunning flowery landscape on your projected surface.
The Happiness Programme is a first-of-its-kind initiative to help change the lives of people living with dementia. We use interactive light technology to provide meaningful activities for residents and patients in care home and hospital settings. If you want to learn more, or join the Happiness Programme, contact us here .
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