JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Enrichment activities are essential for quality psychosocial care in residential aged care homes. There has been increasing interest in using digital technology for enrichment, but implementation of technology can require careful support and enablement from staff to ensure that residents experience the intended benefits.

Objective:

This study aimed to understand how care staff facilitate aged care residents’ use of the Tovertafel ("magic table"), a technology that projects images onto a tabletop to enable people to play games. We further aimed to understand the benefits arising from the Tovertafel when facilitated by staff.

Methods:

We conducted a field study in one residential aged care home in Queensland, Australia. Methods included semi-structured interviews with staff and residents about their experiences of the Tovertafel, observations of four sessions in which residents and staff played Tovertafel games, and a diary completed by staff after Tovertafel sessions. Data were analysed through thematic analysis.

Results:

Staff played a central role in facilitating the Tovertafel and helped overcome uncertainty about the technology. They set up the physical space and supported residents to become involved. During Tovertafel sessions, staff coordinated the activity by selecting and running the games. Staff used creative strategies and prompts to maintain residents’ engagement, while monitoring their participation to ensure safety. Benefits for residents included participating in a fun physical activity, socialisation and instances of shared reminiscence.

Conclusions:

This study suggests that Tovertafel provides opportunities for aged care staff to engage in creative play and personalisation catered to residents with different capabilities. However, benefits arising from the Tovertafel are unlikely to be achieved without substantial facilitation from staff, who play a key role in supporting the participation of residents. Sustaining residents’ engagement is important during the Tovertafel activity and can lead to beneficial outcomes. Clinical Trial: N/A