The ‘Magic Table’ bringing joy to dementia care at Good Samaritan Prairie Creek
At Good Samaritan – Prairie Creek, something magical is happening for residents with dementia. Activities coordinator Brittany Foos puts it simply: “It’s almost magic. Residents who are usually non-responsive suddenly engage and kind of come alive. It unlocks a part of their brain and brings back a little bit of themselves.”
The Tovertafel — Dutch for “magic table” — projects colorful, interactive games for seniors with dementia onto flat surfaces, inviting them to move, explore, and connect through play. For many people with dementia, moments of engagement can be rare. Yet with the Tovertafel, the team at Prairie Creek is witnessing transformation every day.
Playing for better care
Beyond moments of joy, the Tovertafel also helps reduce stress and improve care, offering staff ready-to-use memory care games for seniors that reduce agitation and promote calm. Staff have been finding it especially helpful when a resident is having a difficult day.
Playing a Tovertafel game can turn frustration into joy; a feeling that also helps staff members feel accomplished, like their care is making a true difference.
Facing dementia’s daily struggles
Dementia can be challenging — for those living with it, but for their caregivers and loved ones too. “It can be a very isolating and confusing journey for everybody involved,” explains memory care manager Kelsey Nicola.
In times when many care facilities are facing staff shortages and an increasing demand for quality care, the Tovertafel has become a valuable tool. It calms feelings of agitation and anxiety, and improves interactions between residents and care staff.
“Seeing residents enjoy themselves with [Tovertafel] activities really brings me peace, because I know that we’re doing what we can to take the best care of them,” Kelsey explains. “It just makes the day go better for everybody involved.”
Bringing families closer
The Tovertafel also creates meaningful opportunities to connect when family members come to visit. They get to see their loved ones light up again as they play, laugh, and have fun together.
Such is the fun that Kelsey, whose office shares a wall with one of the rooms where the Tovertafel hangs, can hear the daily laughter and excitement.
For a team like the one at Prairie Creek, who truly takes care at heart, the Tovertafel is a tool that brings joy, dignity and connection into everyday dementia care.
“Being able to provide the quality of life I’d want my family to have, to be a part of that is magical and fun,” Brittany adds. “I get to play with my friends every day and I love it.”
Want to learn how the Tovertafel could also bring joy to your care home? Get in touch with us to bring purposeful play to your residents.