The Tover Tafel (Magic Table): Using Interactive Projection to Spark Joy and Engagement in Memory Care

The Tover Tafel, or Magic Table, is an award-winning tool that projects interactive games onto any tabletop, designed specifically for people living with dementia. It works by tapping into preserved abilities and providing purposeful, playful activities that reduce agitation and improve mood. If you're caring for someone who seems withdrawn or restless, this technology offers a gentle, engaging way to connect without relying on memory or complex instructions. Here’s how to introduce it and make the most of it in your memory care setting.

Key points

The Tover Tafel uses interactive projection games to engage people with dementia through purposeful play, improving mood and reducing agitation.
It works by tapping into preserved procedural and emotional memory, offering success without requiring recent memory recall.
Introduce the activity gently, model it yourself, and use simple, present-tense language. Never force participation.
Choose games based on the person's current energy and abilities—calming games for agitation, stimulating games for withdrawal.
Use the Tover Tafel as a shared activity to build connection, not as a replacement for human interaction.
Personalize the experience based on the stage of dementia, type of dementia, and the individual's preferences and sensitivities.

What Is the Tover Tafel and Why Does It Work?

The Tover Tafel (Dutch for 'magic table') is a projector that hangs above a table and casts interactive games onto the surface. People can touch, swipe, or move objects on the table, and the games respond in real time. It is scientifically proven to improve quality of life for people with dementia and to support caregivers in providing person-centered care. The key is 'purposeful play'—the activities are not just random fun; they are designed to match the abilities and interests of the person, giving them a sense of accomplishment and connection.

This approach works because dementia often spares procedural memory (how to do things) and emotional memory long after it affects recent memory. A person may not remember what they ate for breakfast, but they can still enjoy the sensation of sweeping virtual leaves or popping bubbles. The Tover Tafel provides a safe, low-pressure environment where success is possible, reducing feelings of failure or frustration. It also encourages social interaction, as multiple people can play together, fostering a sense of community in memory care.

How It Addresses Common Behavioral Challenges

Many behaviors that caregivers find challenging—like pacing, calling out, or refusing to participate in activities—often stem from boredom, anxiety, or a need for sensory stimulation. The Tover Tafel offers a positive outlet for that energy. Instead of trying to calm someone down with words alone, you can redirect their focus to a game that feels familiar and satisfying. For example, a game where you 'rake leaves' or 'splash water' can channel restless energy into a calming, repetitive motion.

This aligns with the principle that people with dementia need 'something to do with their hands' and a sense of purpose. The Tover Tafel provides that without requiring complex instructions. It also reduces the burden on caregivers: instead of constantly coming up with new activities, you have a versatile tool that can be adapted to different moods and abilities. The games are designed to be intuitive, so you don't have to explain much—just invite and model.

General caregiving information, not medical advice. Check medications and major care changes with your clinician.

Step-by-step

Suspend the projector above a table at the recommended height.
Choose age-appropriate, simply designed games (e.g., sweeping leaves, catching fish, ball games).
Start by modeling the game yourself, then gently invite the person to touch or swipe the projected image.
Use the game as a bridge to conversation (e.g., talk about the beach while playing a beach-ball game).
Aim for short, 10-minute sessions, multiple times per day as tolerated.
End the session before fatigue or frustration appears by transitioning to a calm, familiar activity.

What not to do

Force participation or push the person's hand onto the table.
Correct or instruct when the person interacts with the game in an unconventional way.
Leave the projector running continuously without a caregiver present.
Choose overly complex or brightly flashing games that may overstimulate.
Use the Magic Table in a dark or cluttered room, which can cause confusion or glare.

Practical tools

Tover Tafel (Magic Table) projector and games
An overhead projector that casts responsive games onto any tabletop. Requires a stable table, power outlet, and ceiling or stand mount for the projector.

Discuss with your clinician

If the person with dementia has a history of seizures or epilepsy, discuss whether the visual stimulation from the Tover Tafel is safe for them.

If the person has severe visual impairment or blindness, ask the occupational therapist about alternative sensory activities that might be more appropriate.

If the person becomes agitated or aggressive during or after using the Tover Tafel, discuss this with the care team to rule out pain, discomfort, or other underlying issues.

If the person has a history of falls, ensure the Tover Tafel setup does not create tripping hazards and that the person is seated securely during use.