This is the second in our series of resident case studies. This time, we spoke to the team at Maycroft Manor in Brighton about the impact the Happiness Programme has had on a specific resident, F. We wanted to know how the magic table 360 had affected his engagement, nutrition and weight gain. 

Sara Heath, Dementia Care Manager at Maycroft Manor, tells the story…

The background story

F has been with us for some years now and is a much loved resident on Clement Way. We have built trust and rapport with both himself and his family. 

F has deteriorated of late and is now preferring to sleep more rather than interact. He is sadly now immobile and bed/chair bound. On assessment, F scores as ‘high risk’ on the Thomas Tool Social Isolation Scale. The team have found in the past that engagement with him is difficult to achieve, as it can cause him to become agitated. 

As a result, engagement opportunities have sadly been lost or missed.

Introducing the Happiness Programme

Since we subscribed to the Happiness Programme and the Magic Table 360 arrived, we’ve noticed a marked improvement in many aspects of F’s daily life and well-being. 

On review of ICare documentation, it’s evident that engagement with the Magic Table 360, and other activities, have improved in terms on quantity and quality. 

Here’s an extract from an engagement report:

Carer AJ was asking F about the colours of the leaves [while using the Magic Table 360] and which time of year he enjoys most. F responded both verbally and with positive body language. F was reaching out to the table and copying my hand movements.

Another engagement report stated:

F was smiling and focused, a massive positive impact was visible.

This is very different to a report made earlier in the year where it was reported that F was sleeping, and declined engagement. During the months of July and August, when we have used the Magic Table 360, all reports talk about positive outcomes, more engagement and F being present, and in the moment. 

Seeing the change

In terms of nutrition and weight gain, F is more alert and focused. He’s less sleepy and much more engaged. Now spending more time within the communal areas and less time in his room asking to sleep and telling the team to ‘leave him alone’. 

F has gained weight from July 2020 to August 2020, gaining 3KG. This is due to F being more alert and now eating with the other residents. He mirrors others and eats much more, sometimes 2 desserts! He enjoys his meals and the social environment. Dining is a much more positive experience for F. 

To sum up, F is more alert, he is eating and drinking more, and his body language is relaxed and less tense.