Through their award-winning interactive tables, Shift8* is helping people with dementia to be more physically, socially and cognitively active.
Shift8* is helping people with dementia to be more physically, socially and cognitively active.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society there are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK 13 , a figure that is set to increase to more than one million within the next five years.
Shift8* is a social enterprise that is committed to improving the wellbeing of those living with the disease, through the use of socially responsible technology and innovative products. Shift8* has introduced The Magic Table into care homes, libraries, hospitals and community centres across the UK. Originally created in the Netherlands, it includes a series of light-based games, which project images to stimulate movement, interaction and bring fun to people with mid-to-late stage dementia, and adults with learning disabilities.
The Magic Table is mounted onto a ceiling in a communal area, where the light and projected images from the device encourage movement from participants. It has led to increased levels of social interaction and physical movement among participants. It is backed by a robust body of academic research into its effectiveness.
In 2019, Shift8* successfully won a place on UnLtd’s Thrive: Solutions for an Ageing Society accelerator, giving them expert support from a Venture Manager, alongside intensive business support, financial planning and advice, and leadership development for Shift8* founder and CEO John Ramsay.
John says: “The team and I share a common purpose: to create as many moments of happiness as possible for the people we help. With Thrive’s support, we’re aiming to further increase our reach across the UK and it is enabling me to develop the business itself.
He continues: "Awareness surrounding dementia is increasing, but much more needs to be done to provide the best possible care for those on their journey, along with their family and friends. Part of our role as a social venture is to help promote a more positive conversation around dementia – something we’re doing through our social impact reporting."
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