People with dementia and delirium can now enjoy interactive games and stimulating scenes following the introduction of state-of-the-art sensory kit at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT).
The “magic table” equipment projects images onto any surface, such as a table, floor or bedsheet. Patients can then use their hands to move the pictures, for example making ripples in a virtual fish pond, rolling a ball across a beach or choosing the answer to a quiz question.
The kit is designed to increase stimulation, physical activity and social engagement in people with dementia and delirium, and can also help to calm them if they are feeling anxious.
It has been funded by Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity and introduced on three older people’s wards at Ipswich Hospital. It has also been installed at Bluebird Lodge in Ipswich and Aldeburgh and Felixstowe community hospitals at a total cost of £55,000.
Fran Friston, ESNEFT’s interim senior matron for community hospitals and older people’s services, said: “These fantastic pieces of kit have been really well-received by our patients.
“They have so many possible uses and can help people who are feeling anxious to relax or those with sleep problems to drift off, as well as bringing people together to take part in social activities such as quizzes.
“We are also able to upload pictures of people’s dogs or their wedding day, which can be particularly useful for people with dementia by helping to bring back happy memories.
“We are really grateful to Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity for funding this equipment, which is already making a difference to our patients and their experience of staying in hospital.”
Mandy Jordan, associate director for charities and voluntary services, said: “We are delighted that this brilliant equipment is already being well-used by our older patients.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who continues to support our charity by leaving us a gift in their will, fundraising on our behalf or making a donation. Their generosity makes a huge difference to our patients, visitors and staff and we are incredibly grateful to all of them.”
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