Inclusive by design, at Phoebe Allentown Health Care Centre

In care settings, staff know that no two residents are the same. This is especially true in dementia units, where mobility, sensory needs, and engagement levels vary widely. At Bridgeways, a memory support unit for mid- to late-stage dementia, the team has found a simple but powerful way to make activities accessible and enjoyable for everyone: the Happiness Programme projector.

What might surprise those unfamiliar with Interactive Light Therapy is just how adaptable the projector is. Many residents here are wheelchair users, and the projector’s flexibility allows it to be used on tables, walls, or even floors, ensuring every resident can interact comfortably at their own level. No one feels excluded because of their chair height or mobility limitations.

Jason Najarian, the unit’s Memory Support Coordinator, shared one particularly lovely story: a volunteer who comes in weekly has fully embraced the projector, spending time with residents exploring games and new content. What’s striking, Jason said, is how much fun the volunteer has too. The laughter and play are contagious- when the volunteer is smiling, the residents mirror that energy, and soon the whole room is filled with shared joy. It’s a reminder that in care, wellbeing considerations shouldn’t just be for residents. When staff and volunteers genuinely enjoy the activities they lead, that enthusiasm naturally transfers to the people they support. The Happiness Programme encourages exactly that: moments of connection where everyone in the room, regardless of role or ability, is taking part together. It transforms activity time into something shared, where joy bounces back and forth between residents and those who care for them.

The smart projector sessions also help bridge the gap between different activity preferences and by using the projector, residents with very different needs can still share the same space. During a lively, raucous Bingo game, the projector can display a calming, sensory experience alongside it. This means those who love the buzz of group activities can join the fun, while others can enjoy a gentler, more open ended experience. Everyone stays part of the social atmosphere without feeling overwhelmed or left out.

Unlike tablets or handheld devices, which often require staff support or a level of dexterity many residents don’t have, the projector promotes independence. Residents can interact using natural gestures or simple props, such as a soft duster, to play games and explore, creating immediate feedback that’s both satisfying and engaging.

Evenings in dementia care can be particularly challenging. Fatigue and fading daylight can trigger agitation or distress (sometimes referred to as ‘sundowning’) can present challenges for the staff. The projector provides a gentle, engaging way to calm and focus residents, helping the team maintain a soothing atmosphere while still offering meaningful activities.

From accommodating different wheelchair types to supporting social, sensory, and emotional needs, the Happiness Programme projector isn’t just an activity tool, it’s a way to bring residents together, foster independence, and transform everyday moments into joyful, shared experiences.