What is the Tobertafel system?
Tovertafel (or ‘magic table’ in Dutch) is an innovative care tool consisting of a high-quality projector, infrared sensors, speakers, and a processor that projects an interactive game onto a table, providing physical and cognitive Stimulate function. activity and social interaction. Synergistic light projection stimulates different areas of the brain to encourage individuals with cognitive impairment to become more active in order to stimulate and improve their quality of life. The Tovertafel system, which is used in various long-term care communities, was developed and successfully tested in Europe. His Eugeria company in Canada recently acquired exclusive rights to sell his Tovertafel products in North America.
Touted as one of the most promising innovations of 2022, the Tovertafel system promotes ‘purposeful play’ for individuals with dementia in long-term care settings. Scientifically proven to increase staff satisfaction at work, reduce restless and tense behavior, increase physical activity and social interaction, and further improve relationships between staff and residents .
The Tovertafel system’s various games promote social interaction and fun, improving the well-being of people living with dementia in care communities. Gaming also overcomes apathy, reduces restlessness and tense behavior, and increases positive emotions and outlook. In addition, games provide opportunities for physical activity and, as a whole, provide players with physical, social, and sensory cognitive stimulation.
The system encourages intuitive and animated movement, as the (game) projection on the table responds to even the slightest movement of the “player’s” hand. This activity builds confidence and motivates you to keep playing and moving. There are 1 to 5 game levels representing the level of cognitive activity to be expected. Level 1 games are for observation purposes only. Participants in level 2 games not only observe, but also keep their attention on the game. The various Level 3 games offered challenge participants to work toward specific goals and learn to memorize things. In other words, you have to stay focused. Level 4 games are meant to assist your thought process. Finally, level 5 games focus on the parts of the brain that control executive function, embedding planning and decision-making into the game’s thought process. However, these Level 5 games are the most challenging for individuals in the mid-to-late stages of dementia progression, the company said.
Overall, the Tobertafel System is designed to promote physical activity, improve relationships, create meaningful connections, and enhance quality of life. Moreover, it brings great joy to those who participate in that “deliberate play”. The company describes his Tovertafel as “easy to install and use, and highly effective.”
For more information, please visit https://www.tover.care/us/.
Questions about Alzheimer’s or related disorders can be sent to Dana Territo, author of What My Grandson Taught Me About Alzheimer’s, at thememorywhisperer@gmail.com.
