A NEWLY opened Compton care home has brought a little magic to residents by providing a ‘Magic Table 360 and the Happiness Programme’.

Provided to Shawford Springs in partnership with Social-Ability and designed and manufactured in the UK, the Magic Table 360 uses interactive games to connect residents with staff and with each other, with research showing it improves the well-being of people living with dementia.

Hampshire Chronicle: Residents playing table tennis using Magic Table 360Residents playing table tennis using Magic Table 360 (Image: Shawford Springs)Using interactive light projections, the Magic Table 360, which can be played independently or in a group, stimulates movement by inviting participants to take part in all sorts of different fun activities such as popping bubbles, playing the piano, colouring in pictures, sweeping leaves or interacting playfully with fish.

Games are rich in colour, movement and detail, and allow people of all ages to play in a safe and comfortable environment.

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The table is also portable so it can be used wherever residents feel most comfortable, and can be projected onto the floor, ceiling, walls, a whiteboard or even a bed. The Happiness Programme allows for a range of games which change seasonally and have country-specific versions covering 14 different categories, so there will always be something new for residents to try.

The Magic Table 360 has been shown to improve mood and behaviours, especially across the mid-to-late stages of dementia, greater physical, social and cognitive activity, reduction in withdrawn-like symptoms, weight gain and positive impacts on relationships with care staff, friends and family.

Hampshire Chronicle: A resident using the Magic Table 360A resident using the Magic Table 360 (Image: Shawford Springs)SEE ALSO: Meet the Winchester student who is up for an award for championing student nurses

General manager of Shawford Springs, Julie House, said: “We’re excited to bring a touch of magic to the residents at our home, the Magic Table 360 will make a big difference by helping to connect residents with staff and with each other, and its great fun for the young at heart.”

Dr Peter Calveley, CEO of Barchester Healthcare which runs Shawford Springs, commented: “We are delighted by the initial response of the residents at Shawford Springs Care Home when using the Magic Table 360.

"Designed to create moments of happiness for the residents, it is heart-warming to provide positive and invaluable experiences, with residents more motivated to interact with staff, family and carers alike.”