Where activity leaders once relied on a white board, technology is stepping in to help foster engaging, immersive games for Victoria seniors, many of whom are dealing with dementia.
Now a smart board keeps clients at Oakwood Manor – and staff for that matter – engaged, no matter their level of cognitive function.
The Victoria home scored grant funding to purchase a larger TV, smart board and interactive projector. The smart board came first and has been a game-changer for the past month, says lifestyle and program manager Samantha Jones.
“It’s really interactive for them, more than just the white board,” Jones said.
The mobility of the smart board allows for residents of varying heights and mobility aids to use it in the lounge. At 75 inches, the TV allows for higher visibility as the residents play various games including Wordle, matching games and the ever-popular trivia using the interactive Lucynt projector.
The different programs promote fun, activity and cognitive stimulation for residents of the long-term care home.
“One of the games is just an image, say of Paris, and it’s covered in roses, as you move your hand it unveils the image, the roses will move,” Jones said. “Some are further along in their diagnosis which means coming up with activities you need to be more creative.”
Having the smart board allows residents to pull trivia questions and see the big bold questions. While they may not always know the answer, they still get to participate.
“And maybe they’ll pull some answers that don’t match, but that’s OK,” Jones said.
The New Horizons for Seniors is a community-based federal grant that funds projects empowering seniors in their communities and contributing to improved health and well-being. Oakwood earned the top grant of $25,000 and the tech fits nicely with the grant program’s top priority – supporting healthy aging.
Criteria specifically includes addressing social isolation, including through supporting seniors' digital literacy and supporting mental health and seniors living with dementia.
Staff at Oakwood plan to show off the tools with a free carnival-themed event for all ages that includes interactive demos featuring the smart board, TV and projector. It’s important to share with family and the public, and the event provides certainty they can see the technology in action.
“It allows them to come in and ensure they can see the tech and how their loved ones are interacting,” Jones said.
Projecting Possibilities: Technology Unveiled is Aug. 12, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Oakwood Manor, 3000 Shelbourne St.
