A new piece of interactive technology designed with diversional therapy and loads of enjoyment in mind is delighting residents at Cambridge Resthaven’s two care centres.
A group of Resthaven on Burns’ residents enjoying the motion-activated Omi system last week. They were transforming a 1940s scene with a simple swish of their pool noodles. Photo: Michael Jeans
The award-winning Omi Vista mobile interactive system has been in use at the facility for the past few months. It was purchased through Friends of Resthaven Foundation fundraising, supported by Cambridge Lions and Cambridge Rotary clubs, and Jumble Around.
A demonstration of the system took place at Resthaven last week.
The facility’s general manager Rachel Jones said they were ‘thrilled’ with the new equipment. The new equipment has been bringing much enjoyment to residents and the diversional therapy team, she said, and because it’s mobile, it is being used at both of Resthaven’s facilities.
“There are so many activities and games to choose from, including many that have been designed for people living with dementia.
Ben Fraser of WS Medical demonstrates the Omi’s xylophone activity to the group, showing how the system can be calibrated at the push of a button to project onto a tabletop. Photo: Viv Posselt
“We use the Omi projected large over the floor for a big group, or smaller onto a table for several people, or one-on-one in a resident’s room. Because it is motion-activated, it’s easy for residents to use.
“Some of the activities, like ‘popping paintballs’ are designed for physical co-ordination, others show famous buildings and places that spark discussion and are very social. There are quizzes and games, and also peaceful, calming activities that help residents unwind.”
Demonstrating the equipment last week was Ben Fraser, business unit manager for the distributors, WS Medical.
He said the equipment, which comes in at roughly $18,000, offers around 1000 different activities, and the images can be projected onto a bed for residents who were bedridden. “It can be recalibrated to use on any flat surface – you simply adjust the size of the image.”
The Omi is also being used in community facilities, special schools, hospices and other activity centres where it enhances social interaction, cognitive stimulation and physical activity.
Those at the demonstration enjoyed interacting over a host of images, including those depicting outer space, Elvis records, rushing water and a game of soccer.
Ben Fraser of WS Medical demonstrates how to play footy using the Omi system, watched by Cambridge Resthaven Trust Board trustee Kevin Burgess, left; Audrey Harris, the wife of Friends of Resthaven Foundation chair Don Harris; and trustee Alan Wellington and his wife Heather Wellington. Photo: Viv Posselt
