La Nouvelle Maraitaine ‘magic table’ brings happy moments

Tovertafel is based at La Nouvelle Maraitaine community library and a member of staff is on hand every Thursday from 9.30am until 12.30pm to show users how it works and the different games they can access.

The technology was created with the aim to elicit happy moments for people with dementia.

The name Tovertafel is Dutch for Magic Table and the ceiling-mounted projector shines interactive light games onto an everyday table surface.

Developed in the Netherlands, a country renowned for its cutting-edge approach to dementia care, the technology has rapidly spread around the world.

The Guille-Alles is one of the first libraries in the British Isles to install Tovertafel.

‘We heard that Hillingdon library in London installed four, one in each library,’ said deputy chief librarian Jodie Knight.

Ms Knight said as a member of Dementia Friendly Guernsey, she approached the charity to ask whether they would like to have Tovertafel in Guernsey.

Dementia Friendly thought it was a good idea and funded the unit.

The projector itself cost £6,000 and came with eight games, with a further six games also purchased for £1,200 extra.

‘With health and wellbeing so intrinsic to libraries, this is exactly the kind of service we should be offering to our community.

‘It offers a wonderful means of access to life-enhancing technology for people with dementia in a public setting,’ said Ms Knight.

Games include a puzzle which builds pictures of items dementia sufferers would find nostalgic, which can lead to conversation.

Ms Knight said even those who had later-stage dementia had watched the games being played on the table.

Library assistant Liz Tucker said a game that involved sweeping leaves, accompanied by a rich leaf-rustling sound, was popular too.

‘There was a gentleman who really loved it because he used to do a lot of gardening,’ she said.

The Tovertafel games have been specifically designed for people with varying stages of dementia and can be played both individually and in groups – as with a game where a ball can be bounced across the table.

The light animations projected on the table respond to players’ hand and arm movements.

The games can also be adapted to groups with other needs such as those with autism or severe learning difficulties.

As well as Tovertafel, librarian Jackie Burgess said books to support those affected by dementia were in the library.

‘Books on Prescription for dementia has recommended reading for those with dementia or those caring for someone with dementia and we keep them in the library,’ she said.

A leaflet is available from the library which provides the list of recommended titles.

. Tovertafel is available for use by individuals and groups including care homes and anyone wanting more information should contact the Guille-Alles Library on 720392 or by emailing ga@library.gg.