September 20, 2023, St. Louis, Missouri – Lutheran Senior Services (LSS) received the Visionary Award from LeadingAge Missouri for the implementation of Tovertafel, a tool that provides stimulation and inclusion for people living with dementia.
The Visionary Award recognizes creative new programs or services that are “ahead of its time” and serve as models of innovation and excellence in setting new directions for the future. LSS and Tovertafel were recognized for making an outstanding contribution to the mission and philosophy of LeadingAge Missouri, which is a trade association dedicated solely to serving the needs of providers of healthcare, housing, and services for older adults.
“It is an honor to be recognized with the Visionary Award,” said Valerie Cooper, Vice President, LSS Life Plan Communities. “LSS is committed to exploring new technologies and innovative approaches to help people who are on a journey with dementia live life to the fullest.”
As leaders in memory care, Lutheran Senior Services is the first in the region to bring Tovertafel to all their Life Plan Communities. Tovertafel, which means “magic table” in Dutch, uses light projections onto a table to create an immersive and interactive experience where participants play games that engage their skills in a fun way.
Research has shown that purposeful play with Tovertafel 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 and respond to even the slightest movement, which encourages participants to play with confidence. Playing games together has been shown to promote social bonding between those living with dementia, care professionals, fellow residents, and family members.
“At LSS, one of our Core Values is ‘We multiply joy.’ I believe that Tovertafel is an exciting way to bring this value to life for people living with dementia by creating opportunities for them to experience, express, and share joy,” said Cooper.
Lutheran Senior Services (LSS) is a mission-driven, nonprofit network that specializes in housing, care, and supportive services for older adults 62+. With 18 locations in Missouri and Illinois, LSS serves more than 13,000 seniors a year through options that include Senior Living Communities offering all levels of living, Affordable Housing for those with limited incomes, and Home & Community Based Services. LSS builds upon more than 160 years of excellence in living out its Christian mission of Older Adults Living Life to the Fullest.