Archview Lodge Care Home in Dalkeith has recently brought a bit of magic to residents by providing a new ‘Magic Table 360 and the Happiness Programme’ as a way to improve residents’ quality of life.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, the Magic Table 360 uses interactive games to connect residents with staff and with each other, and research shows it improves the wellbeing of people living with dementia. 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.

The Magic Table 360 is portable so it can be used wherever residents feel most comfortable, it can be projected onto the floor, ceiling, walls, a whiteboard or even the bed. The Happiness Programme allows for a range of games that change seasonally and have country-specific versions covering 14 different categories, so there will always be something new for residents to try.

Staff and residents at Barchester’s Archview Lodge care home, in Dalkeith, were delighted to be invited to have the vaccination at the home, which has lifted everyone’s spirits after what has been a very challenging year for everyone.

General Manager, Sarah Thomson said: “Last year was a year like no other and the vaccine feels like the light at the end of the tunnel.  Our teams have been magnificent in how they have risen to every challenge during this pandemic and we are proud to play our part in this next phase to ensure the most vulnerable are protected.”

Sally Burnette, staff member at Archview said: “I am so pleased to be given the vaccine.  It will help to keep our residents safe, and is the first step in getting things back to normal and having a buzz of visitors in the home once again.”

Residents of Archview enjoyed a fruity cocktail and mocktail afternoon as they thought of the brighter and warmer weather, with some residents getting into the spirit of the theme with their straw hats!  Conversations flowed as they each reminisced and shared stories of their favourite destinations and for one resident, Ruby who shared her memories of family holidays

Keeping active, having social interactions and being mentally stimulated is very important to Residents at Archview, today residents enjoyed the card game – higher or low and had a lot of fun! 

As part of the homes life enrichment programme, the activities coordinators include firm favourite’s in the homes calendar with fun-filled adapted games that they played over the years in a safe environment!