Technology in care is a subject that often divides opinion, but something we all agree on is that any new product must enhance engagement and connection rather than try to replace it. Interactive projection tables are one such resource; colourful, intuitive and inclusive, they claim to bring something new and exciting into the lives of people living in care. But how well are these tables being used and are they bringing the rewards they promise?
The following are my tips to improve the quality of any sessions being offered.
Firstly, it is important to remember that the projection surface itself is just an ordinary table and therefore a safe, familiar place, where people can come together and share social experiences without fear of ‘using tech’.
Things to consider before a session:
- Ensure there’s no direct sunlight shining onto the table
- Check chair heights and position, make sure the table is clutter free
- Have props ready to extend reach and variety e.g., dusters, brushes, balls and batons.
- Turn off TV’s and any other background music to avoid sensory overload
- Give the session a theme; sensory, seasonal, a day at the beach, fairground games or sport
Here are some further pointers to ensure a successful session:
Try to… Try to avoid…
Sit alongside someone and gently support them Standing behind someone giving instructions
to see how their movements affect the images or taking their hands and moving them too quickly
Allow people to make discoveries for themselves, Demonstrating too much while people spectate
at their own pace, seated or standing. – affects people’s belief in their own abilities
Enjoy each moment and chat about the scenes Rushing through the games, one after the other
Introduce real shells, leaves or sensory aromas missing opportunities to extend the activity
Always include some gentle/non-busy activities Starting with busy games – better to begin with
e.g. magic painting or wafting feathers/dandelions calmer ones and increase speed/volume if desired.
Divide the activities fairly so everyone is supported Responding to the most vocal personalities –
to participate, encourage plenty of collaboration often quieter members will miss out as a result
Be sensitive to people’s preferences and sensory Making too many assumptions based on age,
needs. Select music that people enjoy singing to gender or background. A man can love flowers!
Interactive projections have the potential to be uplifting and liberating, especially for people who have limited control over their daily environment. However, the benefits of increased movement, social connection and improved wellbeing are only possible when the sessions are led with care, insight and understanding.
Someone who totally understands the value of her staff team is Ros Heath, Manager of the Butterfly Care Home, Landermeads, in Nottingham, who owns two mobile projection tables.
Ros tells us…
‘Our family members love the Mobii, we have seen them come alive in ways we’ve not seen before. It has introduced shared laughter at a time when this has been far too absent. I witness family members splatting the objects with real gusto, sharing the experience with staff in genuine belly laughs. It’s a release for everyone…and in the evening provides a relaxing wind down shared equally’
A wonderful testimonial demonstrating what is possible with the right kind of input and session planning. But as Ros wholeheartedly agrees, no piece of equipment can ever replace the warmth of human relationships and real experiences, people will always matter most.
ANNA C. PARK
Freelance Care and Training Consultant