EHPAD Manon Des Sources – Testimonial

As the lead for the Happiness Programme and a user for the past six months, Isabel shared her experience with us.

How has your experience been with the Happiness Programme?
We mainly use it in the UP (Protected Unit), in the PASA (Specialised Alzheimer’s Care Unit), and also for activities in the open units with residents who are mobile or in groups with cognitive disorders.
As with other activities, we don’t always take the same residents: we make sure to rotate so that everyone gets a turn and can take part in the games. We adapt.
We usually take 4 or 5 residents for a session, and others are drawn in either by the light, the sound, or by seeing the joy of the group already playing.
In general, we use it for relaxation and cognitive stimulation, for physical or fun games.
Recently, we did karaoke. We’re still discovering the games on offer, and depending on the residents’ mood, we choose what to do: more cognitive or more relaxation…
The residents really engage with it. As soon as we say “the Happiness,” they come—it’s something they enjoy.
You can tell they’re having a good time, and there’s always laughter! I always finish with some calming, relaxing content. It’s brilliant!

How often do you use the Happiness Programme?
Quite a few staff use it: psychologists to ease anxiety in some residents, physiotherapists during activities, and for general recreation.
On average, about 3 to 4 times a week.
We also use it occasionally when residents are particularly agitated in the UP or PASA, although those sessions aren’t always recorded in the official activity schedule.

What kind of impact have you seen on your residents during Happiness Programme sessions?
Everything related to relaxation is extremely effective, especially in the PASA—it really soothes them.
But it works across the board: for mobility, it’s great; for boosting morale, and reducing anxiety…
It’s a really helpful tool.

How does this tool support your daily work?
It’s mobile! We can use it in the physio room, on a table, or on a wall…
You can use it anywhere—that’s what makes it so good.

Which games or activities are your favourites, or have the most impact on your residents?
The foliage or the hearts for relaxation.
Also, anything animal-related: when they brush the animals with the feather duster, beautiful colours emerge, and it looks like the animals are real.
And as soon as the residents hear birdsong or animal sounds, you see their faces light up and they say, “Did you hear that? Listen, listen!”
Scenic content is also popular, and newer features like the Dance Wheel have been a hit.
When we do quizzes, some residents join in—even if they don’t answer, they’re present.
That’s a win, because maybe next time they’ll take part more.
Even if it’s only for a few moments, it still matters.

Do you have any particular stories to share?
We had an intergenerational session with children… and the kids wouldn’t leave the table!
It’s a great tool because we also set up game tables with wooden games—more old-fashioned—newer games, card games, games of skill…
But a game like this, with a projector—even the teachers told us it was fantastic!
Families ask us about it too!

On a scale of 1 to 10, how likely are you to recommend the Happiness Programme?
10!
At first, we were thinking of getting a music station, but this is in a whole other league.
Because in addition to sound, you also get a beautiful visual element—it’s even better!