Interactive Touch Screen Tables for Dementia Care
Touch Screen Tables for Dementia | Inspired Inspirations
Interactive Technology to Enhance Dementia Care and EngagementAt Inspired Inspirations, we understand the unique challenges faced by those providing care for individuals with dementia. Our Able Range, including the Able Table and Able Station, is transforming dementia care by offering innovative tools to promote meaningful engagement, reduce isolation, and improve quality of life.
By integrating interactive technology into care settings, the Able Range enables caregivers to create personalised, impactful experiences that focus on abilities rather than limitations. From reminiscence therapy to sensory stimulation, discover how the Able Range is revolutionising dementia care.
Dementia and the Power of Digital Engagement
Providing enriching and meaningful experiences for individuals with dementia has long been a challenge for caregivers. Traditional methods often fall short of offering the dynamic and adaptable engagement needed to cater to varied cognitive abilities. The Able Table, with its innovative technology, is transforming this landscape. Specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with cognitive challenges, it provides a versatile, intuitive platform that fosters connection, engagement, and well-being in care settings.
Whether it’s unlocking memories through reminiscence therapy, soothing anxiety with sensory stimulation, or promoting physical movement, the Able Table delivers person-centred care at its best. Its interactive features not only help people living with dementia thrive but also support caregivers by offering creative solutions to enhance daily life.
What the Able Table Brings to Dementia Care
The Able Table is a comprehensive tool that addresses multiple dimensions of well-being for people with dementia. Here’s how it helps:
Cognitive Stimulation
Cognitive decline is one of the hallmarks of dementia, but the Able Table’s wide array of brain-stimulating activities helps mitigate this. Interactive apps like memory games and virtual tours engage residents’ minds, encouraging problem-solving, recall, and curiosity. For example:
- Memory Games: Strengthen recall through tailored quizzes and puzzles that align with the resident’s cognitive level.
- Virtual Tours: Use apps like Google Earth to virtually revisit familiar places, sparking recognition and joyful conversations.
- Educational Content: Interactive sessions on topics like history or geography ignite curiosity and encourage mental engagement.
These activities help people maintain cognitive function, foster a sense of accomplishment, and build confidence in their abilities.
Sensory Engagement
For people with dementia, sensory stimulation can have a profound calming effect. The Able Table offers a range of sensory-based activities designed to soothe anxiety and provide therapeutic benefits:
- Auditory Stimulation: Apps featuring nature sounds, calming music, or storytelling captivate the senses and promote relaxation.
- Visual Stimulation: Engaging videos of flowing water, gentle animations, or virtual aquariums provide a serene experience.
- Tactile Interaction: The responsive touch screen encourages simple actions, such as tapping or dragging, to explore activities in an accessible way.
These features are particularly effective for people who may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally, helping them connect with their environment in meaningful ways.
Emotional Well-Being
Living with dementia can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration. The Able Table helps address these emotional challenges by fostering joy, connection, and self-expression:
- Music Therapy: People can listen to their favourite songs or explore playlists from their youth, sparking happy memories and boosting mood.
- Reminiscence Apps: Bring memories to life by revisiting past experiences through photos, videos, and historical content.
- Social Tools: Features like video calls enable residents to stay connected with loved ones, reducing feelings of loneliness.
By creating opportunities for emotional connection, the Able Table helps people living with dementia feel valued, understood, and included in their community.
Physical Movement
Physical activity is a vital component of dementia care, and the Able Table supports this with gentle, adaptable exercises:
- Seated Exercises: Guided movement activities help residents maintain flexibility and improve circulation, even from the comfort of a chair.
- Interactive Games: Apps that encourage hand-eye coordination and light physical activity keep residents engaged and active.
- Therapeutic Exercises: Incorporate guided yoga or stretching routines to support physical rehabilitation and reduce stiffness.
These features promote better physical health while boosting confidence in mobility and independence.
The Able Table’s ability to address cognitive, sensory, emotional, and physical needs makes it an indispensable tool for dementia care. Its intuitive design ensures that every person, regardless of their cognitive level, can benefit from tailored activities that improve their quality of life. Whether it’s stimulating the mind, calming the senses, or fostering emotional connections, the Able Table truly transforms care settings into hubs of enrichment and well-being.
EASING THE TRANSITION TO TOUCH SCREEN TECHNOLOGY FOR THOSE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
Take it Slow and Steady
Introducing the Able Table should be a gradual process. Allow residents to explore at their own pace:
- Begin with a single app that is intuitive and easy to use.
- Let them become comfortable with one activity before moving on to another.
- Avoid overwhelming them with too many options or unfamiliar features.
A steady introduction helps foster confidence and reduces the risk of frustration.
Choose Familiar Activities
Start with apps that align with familiar interests or past hobbies. Familiarity can help reduce confusion and create a sense of comfort:
- Use puzzles, simple card games, or reminiscence apps featuring familiar music or images.
- Select activities that mimic everyday tasks or long-loved pastimes, such as interactive art or virtual gardening.
Familiarity bridges the gap between the new technology and their personal experiences, making the transition smoother.
Prioritise Visibility and Accessibility
Adapting the Able Table for users with vision impairments or physical limitations is key to creating a positive experience:
- Enlarge text and icons to make navigation easier.
- Use clear, high-contrast colours for improved visibility.
- Ensure the screen is positioned at an accessible height for ease of use.
These adjustments help residents interact confidently and independently.
Use Visual Cues and Prompts
A simple visual cue or label on the Able Table can reinforce its purpose and functionality:
- Attach an easy-to-read label with a reassuring reminder of what the Able Table is for, such as “Your Games & Memories.”
- Use icons or simple instructions to guide residents to their favourite activities.
Visual aids support memory and understanding, minimising disorientation.
Provide Gentle Guidance
Your role as a caregiver is essential during this learning phase:
- Walk residents through the apps, demonstrating how to use features.
- Offer verbal encouragement and praise for their efforts.
- Stay patient and responsive to their needs, adjusting as necessary.
Support fosters confidence and makes the experience enjoyable for both residents and caregivers.
Keep It Simple and Enjoyable
The Able Table is designed to bring joy and enrichment—not stress. Choose activities that are straightforward and satisfying:
- Avoid apps with overly complicated interfaces or difficult challenges.
- Focus on games and tools that provide clear rewards, such as calming videos or interactive storytelling.
Simple interactions can provide a sense of achievement and ease.
Transforming Lives, One Touch at a Time
While introducing the Able Table to those living with dementia may take time and patience, the rewards are immense. With your guidance and support, this technology can become a trusted companion, offering cognitive stimulation, emotional connection, and engaging experiences. Embrace the journey, and watch as the Able Table creates moments of joy and transformation, enriching the lives of those in your care.
**SCIENTIFIC CASE STUDY**
Imagine a world where technology doesn’t just simplify our lives but also sparks joy, rekindles cherished memories, and brightens the days of those living with dementia. This vision became a reality in an inspiring study led by Asem Abdalrahim and his team, exploring the use of digital touch screens for reminiscence therapy (RT) in Jordanian care homes—similar to the transformative power of our Able Tables.
The results were truly uplifting. Not only was the technology embraced by participants, but it also encouraged meaningful engagement, with individuals attending an impressive 80% of the sessions. This wasn’t just participation—it was active involvement, showing how powerful and inviting technology can be.
Even more remarkable were the benefits. Participants experienced improved communication and cognitive abilities, demonstrating how tools like digital touch screens can open doors to better mental health and emotional connection. Best of all, no significant adverse effects were reported, proving that this approach is not only effective but also safe.
The takeaway? Digital touch screen technology has the potential to revolutionise dementia care, offering a pathway to enriched lives and happier moments. Let’s harness this innovation to create care experiences that are engaging, impactful, and full of smiles.
Read the full study here:
Free eBook!
Enhancing Memory, Engagement, and Wellbeing Through Technology
Welcome to an inspiring resource designed to revolutionise how you care for those living with dementia. Our free eBook, “Dementia and the Use of Touch Screen Activity Tables,” explores the groundbreaking impact of interactive technology in creating meaningful engagement, reducing isolation, and improving well-being.
Why Download This E-Book?
- Comprehensive Guide: Learn about the transformative impact of touch screen activity tables in dementia care.
- Person-Centred Care: Explore strategies to tailor care to the unique needs and preferences of each person you care for.
- Innovative Engagement: Find out how these tools can enhance engagement, reduce agitation, and improve overall well-being.
What You Will Learn:
- Introduction to Dementia Care and Engagement
- Importance of person-centred care
- Challenges in engaging people with dementia
- Transformative Power of Touch Screen Activity Tables
- Benefits of sensory stimulation
- How these tables enhance social interaction
- Holistic Engagement Strategies
- Personalised media engagement
- Fast, varied, and engaging activities
- Incorporating Technology into Therapy Sessions
- Using YouTube for music therapy
- Google Earth for reminiscence therapy
Download your free copy today and discover how innovative technology is transforming dementia care.
Imagine This: Susan, a 78-year-old resident with advanced dementia, often struggles to connect with her surroundings. Her caregivers set up a virtual walk through her childhood neighbourhood using Google Earth on the Able Table. As familiar streets and landmarks appear, Susan lights up, sharing vivid memories of her youth. This session sparks joy, creates meaningful conversations, and fosters a deeper bond between Susan and her caregivers.
A POWERFUL TOOL FOR MANAGING “SUNDOWNING” IN THOSE LIVING WITH DEMENTIA
“Sundowning” is a well-known and often challenging symptom associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It manifests as heightened confusion, agitation, and restlessness during the late afternoon and evening hours—times when many caregivers notice an increase in behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). These symptoms, such as wandering, anxiety, aggression, and disrupted sleep, are thought to result from changes in the brain that affect the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
For caregivers, managing sundowning can be a daunting task, requiring targeted strategies to mitigate its effects. Enter the Able Table—a transformative touch screen activity table designed to bring calm, engagement, and safety to those living with dementia during these challenging times.
How the Able Table Helps Manage Sundowning
The Able Table provides a unique and engaging solution to the challenges of sundowning by offering interactive activities that act as a calming distraction. During those critical late-day hours, when symptoms often peak, the Able Table can immerse individuals in a world of soothing, stimulating, and familiar activities. This helps to reduce confusion, agitation, and wandering, creating a more peaceful environment for both the individuals and their caregivers.
More than just a diversion, the Able Table offers a safe and controlled space for exploration and interaction. Unlike traditional stimulation methods, which may carry a risk of accidents such as falls, the Able Table ensures safety through its intuitive design and user-friendly interface. Caregivers can focus on meaningful interactions, knowing that the person in their care is secure and engaged.
Beyond Sundowning: Enhancing Quality of Life
By providing access to activities like reminiscence therapy, calming music, or even simple memory games, the Able Table fosters emotional connection and cognitive engagement. These interactions can help improve mood, reduce stress, and promote a sense of accomplishment and joy.
For caregivers, the Able Table is a partner in care. It reduces the strain of managing difficult behaviours, providing practical solutions that align with person-centred care principles. Instead of reactive responses to sundowning symptoms, caregivers can adopt proactive strategies that transform challenging hours into meaningful, enjoyable moments.
Experience the Difference
The Able Table empowers care teams to address sundowning with confidence, creating a more supportive and harmonious environment for individuals living with dementia. By turning potentially stressful periods into opportunities for connection and engagement, it enhances the well-being of both the person experiencing sundowning and their caregivers.
Discover how the Able Table can transform dementia care, offering peace of mind and improved quality of life during the most challenging times. Experience its calming and engaging power for yourself, and make sundowning a more manageable part of the day.
Enhancing Dementia Care with Jackie Pool’s PAL Framework and Able Tables
Caring for people with dementia requires a compassionate, person-centred approach that acknowledges each person’s unique abilities and preferences. Jackie Pool’s Pool Activity Level (PAL) Instrument offers a structured framework to achieve this by categorising cognitive and functional abilities into four levels: Planned, Exploratory, Sensory, and Reflex. When paired with the engaging and versatile Able Tables, the PAL framework becomes a powerful tool to create meaningful interactions and improve the quality of life for people living with dementia.
The Four PAL Activity Levels: A Quick Overview
- Planned Level: Residents can independently complete activities with minimal guidance, benefiting from structured tasks.
- Exploratory Level: Focus on familiar and creative activities that residents can engage in spontaneously.
- Sensory Level: Residents respond to tactile and sensory-based tasks that stimulate their senses.
- Reflex Level: Activities should involve singular sensations and reflexive responses, fostering comfort and connection.
How Able Tables Enhance the PAL Framework
Able Tables are interactive touch screen devices designed to deliver tailored activities across all PAL levels. By combining the technology of the Able Table with the principles of the PAL Instrument, caregivers can:
- Provide tailored activities that align with each persons’ cognitive abilities.
- Reduce behaviours of concern by offering calming or stimulating activities.
- Promote emotional connections and social interactions.
Planned Level: Fostering Autonomy Through Structured Interaction
Residents at the Planned Level thrive on structured, goal-oriented activities. The Able Table enables caregivers to offer:
- Cognitive Games: Residents can engage in interactive puzzles, quizzes, or problem-solving apps that stimulate memory and logic.
- Creative Expression: Activities like virtual painting or creating digital stories encourage autonomy and creativity.
- Educational Sessions: Apps focused on history, geography, or reminiscence align with residents’ interests and promote mental engagement.
Exploratory Level: Inspiring Creativity and Familiarity
For residents at the Exploratory Level, the Able Table provides familiar and creative activities that encourage participation:
- Music Therapy: Residents can explore playlists from their youth, fostering emotional connections.
- Virtual Tours: Apps like Google Earth allow them to virtually revisit familiar places, evoking joyful memories.
- Interactive Games: Simple, intuitive games like matching pairs or interactive trivia promote spontaneous engagement.
Sensory Level: Engaging the Senses for Relaxation and Connection
Residents at the Sensory Level respond best to activities that focus on tactile, auditory, and visual stimulation:
- Sensory Apps: Interactive activities featuring soothing visuals, gentle music, and touch-based interactions.
- Calming Videos: Apps displaying flowing water, birdsong, or virtual aquariums offer relaxation and sensory stimulation.
- Touch-Based Interaction: Residents can explore apps designed to respond to light touches, encouraging movement and interaction.
Reflex Level: Creating Comfort Through Sensory Experiences
For residents at the Reflex Level, activities should focus on singular sensations that evoke reflexive responses:
- Calming Light Displays: The Able Table can display gentle light patterns, providing a visually soothing experience.
- Soothing Sounds: Apps with nature sounds or calming music can help residents relax and feel at ease.
- Gentle Interaction: Simple, interactive apps that respond to light touches or movements can create moments of connection.
Incorporating the PAL Framework into Daily Care
- Assessment First: Use the PAL checklist to determine each resident’s cognitive and functional level.
- Tailored Activities: Select Able Table apps and activities that match the resident’s PAL level.
- Engagement Goals: Set achievable goals for each session, such as improving mood, encouraging interaction, or providing relaxation.
Key Benefits of Combining PAL and Able Tables
- Person-Centred Care: Activities are tailored to each individual’s cognitive level, ensuring meaningful engagement.
- Reduced Anxiety: The right activity can redirect behaviours of concern and promote relaxation.
- Empowered Caregivers: The PAL Instrument and Able Table provide caregivers with practical tools to deliver high-quality care.
Why This Matters
The synergy between the PAL framework and the Able Table represents a leap forward in dementia care. By focusing on abilities rather than limitations, this approach empowers caregivers to deliver personalised, impactful care while improving the lives of the people you care for.
Imagine This: Mary, a care home resident who has always loved music. A former piano player, Mary is at the Exploratory Level according to the PAL framework. While her cognitive abilities have changed, her passion for music remains a source of joy.
Using the Able Table, caregivers set up an interactive piano app. As Mary tentatively taps the virtual keys, familiar notes fill the room, sparking a smile on her face. Encouraged by the ease and familiarity, Mary begins to experiment, recreating simple melodies from her past.
Next, the caregiver transitions to a playlist of Mary’s favourite classical pieces. The familiar harmonies transport her back to cherished memories, and she begins sharing stories about her days playing for family gatherings.
To make the experience even more engaging, the caregiver invites other residents to join Mary for a music-themed quiz. The group laughs, reminisces, and bonds over their shared love of timeless tunes. Mary, once hesitant to join group activities, is now leading conversations and fully immersed in the lively session.
Reducing the Use of Antipsychotic Drugs in Dementia Care: A Holistic Approach
Caring for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease presents a unique set of challenges for caregivers. Symptoms such as agitation, aggression, and anxiety are often met with prescriptions of antipsychotic medications. While these drugs may offer temporary relief, they carry significant risks, including an increased likelihood of stroke and higher mortality rates. These concerns underscore the urgent need for innovative, non-pharmacological solutions that prioritise the well-being of those being cared for.
Research-Backed Solutions: The Role of Interactive Technology
Emerging research highlights the potential of interactive platforms in reducing the need for antipsychotic drugs. A qualitative study revealed that when care teams adjusted their approaches and behaviours, alongside incorporating innovative engagement tools, they observed substantial reductions in behavioural disturbances like agitation and aggression. This shift significantly reduced reliance on antipsychotic medication, demonstrating the transformative impact of personalised, tech-driven interventions.
The Able Table: More Than Entertainment
Interactive touch screen tables, such as the Able Table, are proving to be powerful tools in dementia care. Far from being mere entertainment devices, they provide immersive and meaningful experiences that serve as positive distractions. By engaging people in activities that capture their attention and reduce anxiety, the Able Table fosters a calmer, more relaxed environment. This often results in fewer behavioural issues, diminishing the necessity for medication.
Personalisation: The Key to Meaningful Engagement
A standout feature of the Able Table is its capacity for personalisation. Care teams can curate a range of games, puzzles, and interactive experiences tailored to the unique preferences and needs of each person. This approach ensures that activities resonate with the individual, making them feel seen, valued, and engaged. The result? Reduced behavioural disturbances, enhanced emotional well-being, and less reliance on medication.
Safe, Non-Invasive, and Effective
The Able Table offers a low-risk, non-invasive alternative to antipsychotic drugs. Integrated into daily care routines, it supports the management of symptoms without the severe side effects associated with medication. Its user-friendly design and adaptability make it a seamless addition to any care setting, enhancing both the quality of life for residents and the caregiving experience.
Transforming Dementia Care
Touch screen activity tables like the Able Table are revolutionising how we approach the management of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. By offering residents engaging and personalised experiences, these tools reduce anxiety, foster emotional connection, and minimise the need for medication. At the same time, they relieve caregiver stress, creating a more harmonious and supportive care environment.
Learn More About the Research
Discover how reducing reliance on antipsychotic medication and prioritising personalised care can make a meaningful difference in dementia care. Explore the research and insights that are driving this positive change, and see how the Able Table can transform your care approach.
Imagine This: James, a resident at the Sensory Level of Jackie Pool’s PAL framework. He often appears anxious and disengaged. His caregiver uses the Able Table to display a soothing virtual aquarium, complete with gentle waves and soft ocean sounds. James becomes mesmerised by the colourful fish gliding across the screen, his hands instinctively reaching out to follow their movement. The calming visuals and sounds reduce his anxiety and create a peaceful moment for him and his caregiver to share.
Exploring the World and Memory with the Able Table
For people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, the joy of revisiting cherished memories and exploring the world can be truly transformative. With the Able Table touch screen activity table, these meaningful experiences are brought to life in the comfort of familiar surroundings. Through the power of Google Earth, residents can virtually travel to favourite destinations, revisit beloved landmarks, and share meaningful moments with others.
Reconnecting with Memories for Well-Being
Reliving past experiences is a powerful tool for improving mental well-being. By exploring familiar locations, individuals can trigger the release of feel-good hormones like endorphins and serotonin, uplifting their mood and enhancing emotional health. This interactive journey offers more than personal reflection; it brings a sense of accomplishment and connection that enriches daily life.
Creating Shared Experiences
Google Earth on the Able Table opens the door to group interaction and storytelling. Residents can share the significance of their favourite destinations, sparking conversations and forming bonds with others. This collaborative exploration helps combat loneliness and fosters a sense of belonging, turning every session into a community-building activity.
Rediscovering Meaningful Places
Imagine the joy of virtually walking down memory lane. Whether it’s revisiting a childhood home, the site of a wedding, or a favourite holiday spot, these experiences can evoke heartwarming recollections and a renewed sense of identity. A virtual tour of a former workplace can rekindle pride and fond memories of camaraderie, while exploring local landmarks reminds individuals of their connection to the world around them.
More Than Entertainment
The combination of Google Earth and the Able Table is a therapeutic tool that promotes mental well-being, encourages social interaction, and provides a meaningful way to explore memories. By integrating this technology into dementia care, you offer a pathway to emotional uplift, shared stories, and countless moments of joy.
From the comfort of their own homes or care settings, people can explore the world and their past, creating a unique blend of engagement, connection, and happiness.
93-Year-Old Relives Her Wedding Day on Google Earth: Heartwarming Journey Back Using Touch Tables.
Advancing Dementia Care Through Innovation and Understanding
Dementia care presents complex challenges, but it also opens the door to meaningful opportunities for enhancing quality of life. By incorporating tools like the Able Table into care strategies, we can address the cognitive, emotional, and physical needs of people living with dementia in ways that are both impactful and compassionate.
Research highlights the importance of personalised, engaging activities in reducing agitation, improving mood, and fostering social connection. The Able Table not only provides access to these tailored experiences but also empowers caregivers to deliver evidence-based interventions that support well-being and independence. Whether through reminiscence therapy, sensory engagement, or interactive cognitive exercises, these technologies bridge gaps and bring value to daily care routines.
As we look toward the future, the integration of innovative technologies offers a path to more effective, person-centred dementia care. It challenges us to think beyond traditional methods and focus on solutions that respect individuality, promote dignity, and enhance overall well-being. With the right tools and approaches, we can make meaningful strides in transforming the care experience for both residents and caregivers.