The husband of a resident at a Worcestershire care facility has raised more than £5000 to buy a piece of equipment aimed at helping dementia patients to relax and reminisce.
Pete James, whose wife, Nicole, lives at The Hawthorns care home, in Evesham, has used the funds to purchase a ‘magic table’. This new technology uses interactive games to connect people in the mid to late stages of dementia with each other, and with their surroundings, all the while stimulating movement.
The games, which can be played independently or as a group, invite participants to pop bubbles, sweep leaves or interact playfully with fish – you can even grow flowers. Another game generates a series of well-known sayings and phrases, which is often the start of fun discussions and brings back memories.
The money was raised though a JustGiving page alongside collections, and the sheer generosity of people who know Nicole and her family, or have heard her story through word of mouth and social media. The Shaw Foundation provided a grant to make up the rest of the funds that were needed to purchase the equipment.
Pete commented: “People have been incredibly supportive and generous, and for that, I am truly grateful. We didn’t have to put on special events to raise the money, it was purely through people’s love of Nicole that we managed to reach our target as quickly as we did”.
Mary Tasker, home manager at The Hawthorns, which is run by Shaw healthcare, said: “The impact that this equipment has had in a short space of time has been incredible. Residents who didn’t tend to join in conversations or were prone to becoming agitated have become engaged, and many have shown absolute delight when playing these games. The sound of the laughter has left myself and other staff members in tears of joy. I can’t thank Pete and his family enough for what they have done for everyone here”.
It isn’t just the residents who have benefited from the magic table. A relative of one of the residents often asks Mary if she can spend ten minutes on there before she goes home as it relaxes her.
Maggie Parker, who works for the Alzheimer’s Society, and has known Peter and his family for some time, said: “It is just wonderful to see the residents react and interact with each other, especially those who are usually more withdrawn and less inclined to get involved. It is also great for when family members are visiting, and conversation can be limited”.
