Residents at a York care home wanting to keep more active and alert through lockdown are trialling a new interactive light projector.
Those who can’t welcome visitors during the pandemic are enjoying this technology, and trying out new activities to support their physical and emotional health.
Older people, especially those living with dementia, are experiencing the brightly-coloured shapes and games which are projected onto tables, bed coverings, walls or floors. Playing and interacting with them can help improve co-ordination, stimulate responses and raise levels of social and physical activity.
Cllr Carol Runciman, executive member for health and adult social care said:
“Residents tell us that they are really enjoying this new facility which enables them to have new interests and activities that they can enjoy at a time when they cannot see their friends and family.
“Even more light and laughter is being enjoyed by residents, and this brings them additional health and wellbeing benefits.
“We are closely monitoring the effects of this technology to fully understand what residents take from it, and how it might be shared more widely.”
Residents and staff at the council’s Poppyfields and Field View dementia units at Haxby Hall care home are taking part in the trial.
The research includes considering the impact on staff and how it supports them deliver an even higher quality of care.
Depending on the outcome of this pilot, older people in the city’s independent living schemes and other settings, may choose to have it introduced there.
Picture of Haxby Hall Care Home courtesy of Google Street View
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