Cathay Care Home, Forres invests in £4000 Inspired Inspirations interactive activity table
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A LOCAL care home is using the latest technology to offer games, visits to exotic locations and to keep in touch with family and friends.
Staff and residents at Cathay Care Home did sponsored walks, cake sales and other fundraising events to raise £4000 for an interactive activity table which is already boosting morale and helping to fill the void left by the coronavirus pandemic lockdown.
Cathay manager Julie Stringfellow confirmed the new equipment is a big hit with everyone at the home.
She said: “The interactive table is a great asset and enables residents to get involved, no matter their abilities.
“Its use for communication with the outside world, while care homes have been isolated from the wider community, is reducing social isolation.
“We are extremely proud of the achievement in such a short time, and want to thank all those that donated.”
Producers Inspired Inspirations spent four years developing their tables to provide care home entertainment options for residents to more easily connect with relatives, stimulate their minds, eradicate boredom and more.
A company spokesman said: “We’re pleased to deliver one of our award-winning products to Cathay Care Home.
“With the enthusiasm and passion their staff have for care, the residents are in extremely caring hands, and they will have plenty of fun with our touch-screen table.”
It is thought that the 32-inch touch screen, which can be raised over a bed or wheelchair, or used for table activities for multiple residents, is the first of its kind in a Moray care home.
Residents have been enjoying games including dominoes, scrabble, bubbles and other sensory touch activities, communicating with loved ones via Zoom and even looking at places where they lived before and things they appreciate.
“The residents love the table,” said Julie.
“There are so many different features to cater for every individual. Rosetta, for example, was the Scottish Scrabble champion – the table gives her the independence to continue to play scrabble into her nineties.
“The staff are getting to know the different features and are finding out more about residents from discussing places they lived and holidays they have been on using Google Earth app.
“We look forward to families being able to use the table which will help them interact with their loved ones.”
She added: “The sensory apps are great! The residents can see fish swimming in the ocean and as they touch them they swim off! Sensory games are great for residents with advanced dementia who are also able to take part in the activity and stimulate their minds.”
Cathay’s activities coordinators will take the table to residents who are unable to come out of their rooms. A timetable of individual and group activities is also being planned so that its use is equal, seven days a week.
