Magic table is the latest innovative tool used by the Camarillo Health Care District.

“Tovertafel”!  

Meaning “magic table” in Dutch, the Tovertafel table is Camarillo Health Care District’s latest innovation tool offered in its Adult Day Center. The Magic Table program is an award-winning system that has become a tool in more than 10,000 dementia care communities worldwide, and Camarillo Health Care District is the first to acquire and use it in California!

An interactive gaming system, the Magic Table is designed for “purposeful play” for participants with cognitive and intellectual challenges and was first developed for older adults living with dementia.

Research shows that playing on the Magic Table can break through restless and tense behavior, as well as increase positive emotions in people living with dementia. Games are created for a range of cognitive abilities with varying levels of complexity, and can be played individually or as a group, which promotes social bonding.

“Incorporating the Magic Table into the Center’s offerings provides a new method of engagement for our participants and staff,” said Adult Day Center Director Mary Ann Ratto. “In addition to providing physical, cognitive and social stimulation, this system is also designed as an all-inclusive activity for those with varying degrees of cognitive impairment.”

With more than 40 games, the choices are broad and diverse and include such activities as “baking” a loaf of bread, creating a song by tapping a keyboard, painting a picture or putting together a jigsaw puzzle simply by waving their hands. There is also a picnic spread complete with flies to swat, a pile of autumn leaves to toss while uncovering ladybugs, colorful kites to fly, and fun activities like “Whack a Mole” and “Memory Matching Game.”

It works by projecting vibrant, lifelike images onto a surface in the form of games that react to the swipe of a finger, wave of a hand or arm movement. The games employ a “no-fail, layered design,” which means that participants can play according to their ability, helping to instill confidence and making the games easy to enjoy, while promoting physical movement, social interaction and cognitive stimulation.

Adult Day Center offers socialization and safe home-like environment

The District’s state-licensed Adult Day Center is the only one of its kind in the Camarillo area and receives clients from throughout Ventura County. In 2014, the Center was expanded and redesigned with a person-centered focus and to reflect a home-like environment, with an open-concept living room, kitchen and dining area, game rooms, indoor gardening beds, gathering space with a piano for entertaining, and a special quiet space.  In 2015, the Adult Day Center received “Innovative Program of the Year” throughout the state of California from the California Special Districts Association.

The Center is a social model that focuses on providing socialization, mental and physical activities that can be enjoyable for everyone. The services provided at the Center serve as an essential support for many families who care for loved ones at home with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, brain injury and other cognitive impairments.

“The Center touches so many lives on a daily basis and we see that in action each time families refer other families to the Center,” Adult Day Program Director Mary Ann Ratto said. “It’s very heartwarming to hear families speak of the Center as ‘the greatest blessing’ and ‘so wonderful’.”

Staff are First Aid and CPR certified and participate in ongoing training opportunities. Along with professional caregiving experience, many staff members also have personal caregiving backgrounds. Director Mary Ann Ratto says having personal experience as a caregiver at home often provides staff with an even greater understanding of the stressors and concerns families might be experiencing.

Nutritious and well-balanced meals, snacks and beverages are provided and special dietary needs can be accommodated.

Trained and caring staff provides a wide range of planned activities and socialization for many interests and ability levels.

• Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3. pm.
• Half-days are available, either in the morning or afternoon.
• Customized care plans can be developed to fit schedules and needs.
• Located at 3639 E. Las Posas Road in Camerillo, Building E.
• Call 805-388-1952, ext. 111, for more information.

Michelle Rogers is Community Outreach and Education manager at the Camarillo Health Care District. She can be reached at micheller@camhealth.com or 805-388-1952, ext. 116.

Michelle Rogers