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A recent investment of $138,000 by the Aberdeen Health Foundation has enabled VON’s Pictou County, Nova Scotia site to purchase new technology and equipment to enhance client care delivery in nursing clinics and bring a new form of interactive fun to Adult Day Program (ADP) clients.

The advanced nursing tools include six Clarius multipurpose ultrasound scanners, nine pulse oximeters, three assessment carts and several large-volume smart pumps. These added tools will enhance nurses’ clinical skills and help VON to deliver more efficient care.

Clients in the ADP have been enjoying the benefits of a new projector system, designed to promote immersive play, cognitive engagement and stimulation for people living with dementia. Visuals are displayed on a flat surface, such as a table, and clients use wands to pass over different images. Activities include birthday, holiday and cultural celebrations, trivia and dozens of other games. 

“Paint splatter is one game that the clients love. They use the wands to hit the paint balls, which then explode very dramatically. It makes a lot of noise and the clients think it’s hilarious. Once the balls have all exploded, they start over again and get very competitive. They could play it forever,” said Heather Rowlands, Manager, Home and Community Care, Community Support Services. “One client told our staff that she never thought she would be playing a video game.”

Heather added that the projector system, which came from the United Kingdom, isn’t widely used in community or recreation programs in North America. “It’s a special piece of equipment for us to have as part of our programming,” she said.

The system can be used to recognize holidays or cultural celebrations, such as New Year’s Day and Diwali. “We have a diverse staff team and it’s important that we share in celebrations that are meaningful to everyone. There is a Diwali game that we played that helped bridge the gap for some clients who were previously unfamiliar with it,” Heather explained. 

Clients’ families have enjoyed seeing their loved ones playing with the system when they arrive to pick them up. “The projector helps clients focus their energy and attention inward, instead of looking around the room or out the window for their loved ones,” said Heather. And due to its mobility, staff can set the projector up in a break-out room for a client who may be feeling overstimulated in a group setting. 

“It’s an easy activity for clients to participate in, without them having to worry about components, parts, or mess afterward. They can finish their turn just by putting their wand down,” said Heather.

VON is grateful for the generous support of the Aberdeen Health Foundation. This incredible partnership will help empower care delivery teams to continue strengthening and enhancing the high-quality care they provide to clients across Pictou County, and ensure clients can continue to receive the care and connection they need and deserve – at home and in the community they love.