An initiative using interactive light technology to develop activities and games for people with dementia has been launched by the Alzheimer's Society in partnership with Sport England and Social-Ability.
THE Happiness Programdeveloped by Social-Ability, launching in 10 care homes across the country, including London, Sheffield, Derby, Manchester and Newcastle, on May 13, 2024, with the aim of bringing “laughter and happiness” to residents.
Program participants are invited to test activities using light technology, allowing users to engage in physically and mentally engaging games like popping bubbles, playing the piano, coloring pictures, sweeping papers as well as other activities like karaoke, bingo and quizzes.
Activities are delivered using a portable projector which can be used on surfaces such as floors, ceilings, walls, whiteboards or beds.
Activities can also include props to further increase range of motion with games like balloon popping or beach ball.
John Ramsay, chief executive and co-founder of Social-Ability, said he founded the organization “to bring laughter and happiness to everyone facing dementia as well as palliative care, rehabilitation and people with learning disabilities.
“Working collaboratively is extremely important to us in growing Social-Ability’s impact, and we are honored to work alongside such a creative and experienced innovation team.
“We are delighted to see the results of the project: in 2024, no one living with dementia should be without laughter or activity,” said Ramsay.
The project, funded by Sport England, will begin with a three-month phase focusing on current Happiness Program games, followed by a further three-month phase testing new activities developed to test how games can encourage movement and physical activity.
Simon Lord, head of innovation at the Alzheimer's Society, said: “Staying active is extremely important for people with dementia and has many benefits, such as improved quality of life.
“This partnership underscores our commitment to evidence-based practices, and we look forward to seeing the results of meaningful new activities and potentially improved outcomes for people with dementia.”
The Happiness program has been rolled out by over 1,250 Social-Ability partners across the UK, Ireland and Canada.
A poll funded by Alzheimer's UK and Innovate UK last year found that more than two thirds of UK GPs would like the ability to prescribe assistive technologies to their patients when they are diagnosed with dementia.