WEST BRANDYWINE, PA — Freedom Village at Brandywine, a Life Care Services community, has unveiled the Happiness Program, an innovative light-based technology designed to transform engagement for residents in skilled nursing and memory care. The program, created by UK-based Social-Ability, is already making a significant impact by promoting movement, memory recall, and meaningful interactions within the community.
Interactive Technology Enhancing Lives
The Happiness Program employs a portable projector to turn any surface into an interactive play space. Whether projecting sensory games onto tables, bed trays, or common room surfaces, the program creates vibrant and dynamic activities for all residents. It offers over 140 motion-based games and sensory experiences, as well as YouTube integration for personalized content. Residents can engage in activities like sweeping autumn leaves, tapping along to music, or racing horses, fostering joy and connection.
The technology’s flexibility allows staff to facilitate both group activities and one-on-one sessions, ensuring its accessibility to all residents, including those confined to bed or receiving end-of-life care.
Supporting Person-Centered Memory Care
The Happiness Program complements Freedom Village’s Heartfelt Connections – A Memory Care Program®, which emphasizes person-centered care by focusing on residents’ life stories, strengths, and preferences. This alignment enables staff to tailor activities to each resident’s background, creating meaningful and personalized moments.
“We were looking for something truly person-centered to support our Heartfelt Connections program, and this was it,” said Kim Ranck, Director of Community Life Services. “The Happiness Program was my favorite thing at the International Council on Active Aging. Seeing how it brings residents and staff together has been incredible. It’s joyful, meaningful, and has become something really special in our community.”
Freedom Village at Brandywine is the first Life Care Services community to implement the Happiness Program.
Breaking Barriers to Engagement
The introduction of the Happiness Program has also succeeded in reaching residents who were previously reluctant to participate in community activities.
“We had one gentleman who didn’t want to engage in anything,” said Molly Storm, Activity Coordinator. “I finally convinced him to try the program once. Now, he can’t wait to play his sports games. He absolutely loves it.”
Additionally, the system’s portability has allowed staff to bring meaningful one-on-one interactions directly to residents confined to their beds, including those in skilled nursing or end-of-life care.
“Seeing the Happiness Program in action is incredible. It blossoms the residents,” said Trish Rank, Community Life Manager. “You can see a different light come out of them. We cheer together, celebrate high scores, and create moments that everyone looks forward to.”
Memory Care Manager Antwan Gaffney emphasized the program’s versatility. “It’s accessible, inclusive, and helps me deliver truly person-centered care. There are so many options that we can always find the right activity for every resident.”
Creating Connections and Moments of Joy
Freedom Village’s adoption of the Happiness Program underscores its commitment to innovative and personalized care. The technology has become a valuable tool in strengthening connections between residents and staff while fostering a sense of inclusion and joy across the community.
Through this initiative, Freedom Village at Brandywine sets a new benchmark for enhancing the quality of life for residents in skilled nursing and memory care, embodying its focus on meaningful engagement and holistic well-being.
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