At Oakwood Manor, we are always exploring ways to enhance the quality of life for our residents. From cognitive stimulation to social engagement, we aim to make everyday activities meaningful, enjoyable, and accessible. One exciting development in recent months has been the introduction of new technology—specifically, SMART Boards, interactive projectors, and larger televisions—that is transforming the way our residents learn, play, and connect.
Thanks to the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP), a federal initiative from the Government of Canada that supports community-based programs for seniors across Canada, these tools have become a reality. The NHSP grant focuses on projects that promote healthy ageing, social participation, and inclusion, making it an ideal partner in supporting innovation at Oakwood Manor.
Technology tailored to seniors
The SMART Board is a game-changer for our residents. Larger than traditional whiteboards, it is visually accessible for those with reduced vision and allows us to display trivia, interactive activities, and online resources in a way that is clear and easy to read. Similarly, the interactive projector provides a dynamic platform for residents of all abilities. From simple games that encourage gentle interaction to more complex challenges that stimulate critical thinking, the projector engages residents in ways that are both fun and cognitively beneficial.
These tools go beyond convenience. They are designed with seniors’ unique needs in mind. Larger screens and interactive displays help residents with vision or hearing challenges participate fully, while touch-responsive technology encourages physical movement, coordination, and engagement.
How the NHSP grant made this possible
Both the SMART Board and interactive projector, along with a larger television that improves visibility for group activities, have been made possible through the NHSP grant. Without this funding, introducing such advanced technology might have been a significant challenge. The grant has allowed us to invest in equipment that directly enhances resident programming and enriches daily life, from recreational activities to educational experiences.
Residents’ reactions and experiences
Introducing new technology in a long-term care setting always comes with a learning curve, for both team members and residents. However, the response at Oakwood Manor has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents are excited to explore new apps, online games, and interactive experiences.
For example, some residents who typically have difficulty engaging in group activities are drawn to the interactive projector, which uses visual elements to encourage participation. Images of fish swimming across the floor or flowers appearing with a simple touch capture attention, spark curiosity, and inspire movement. It’s an experience that combines cognitive stimulation with physical interaction, creating moments of joy and engagement that would not be possible with traditional activities alone.
The SMART Board has also proven highly adaptable. During trivia sessions, questions are displayed in a large, easy-to-read format, making participation more inclusive. Residents can interact directly by writing on the board, further engaging memory, problem-solving, and motor skills. Even residents with mild cognitive challenges benefit, exercising their brains in ways that are accessible and enjoyable.
Overcoming challenges
Introducing new technology can be challenging. Our team has dedicated time to learning all the functions, troubleshooting issues, and figuring out the best ways to integrate these tools into daily programming. They have played a vital role, experimenting with games, exploring creative uses, and supporting residents as they learn the technology.
The learning process has also brought unexpected discoveries. Some residents use the interactive projector in ways we didn’t anticipate, engaging in playful exploration or combining it with other activities like group games or art projects. These moments highlight the adaptability and creativity that technology can inspire in a memory care setting.
Supporting wellness, connection, and cognition
At Oakwood Manor, technology is more than a novelty—it supports social, cognitive, and emotional wellness in meaningful ways.
- Social connection: Residents can participate together in interactive games or group trivia, creating shared experiences and fostering relationships.
- Cognitive stimulation: Activities such as identifying provinces on a digital map, solving puzzles, or engaging with interactive apps exercise memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
- Wellness in daily life: Technology allows for multisensory experiences that encourage movement, coordination, and focus. Even simple interactions, like tapping a projected image, provide physical engagement that supports overall well-being.
These tools make programming more inclusive. Residents who might otherwise sit out due to hearing, vision, or cognitive challenges can now participate fully, enhancing confidence, engagement, and enjoyment.
A look to the future
As Oakwood Manor continues to embrace innovation, we are committed to ensuring that technology remains resident-centred. With tools like SMART Boards and interactive projectors, we are creating opportunities for residents to engage, learn, and connect in ways that respect their abilities and preferences.
The NHSP grant has been instrumental in this journey, helping us deliver programs that are dynamic, stimulating, and inclusive. For residents and families, it’s a reassurance that Oakwood Manor is dedicated to supporting quality of life, mental wellness, and meaningful engagement every day.
By combining compassionate care with innovative technology, Oakwood Manor is redefining what daily life can look like in long-term care and memory care settings—making each day more vibrant, engaging, and full of possibility.
Visit us at Oakwood Manor to discover how technology is shaping a vibrant, engaging community—where residents can learn, play, and connect through interactive programs designed with their abilities and interests in mind.
Continue your journey here
Looking to take the next step or simply stay connected? Here are a few helpful links:
- Contact us – We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.
- Book a tour – Come experience our community in person.
- Virtual tour – Discover the warmth of our community from wherever you are.
- Visit our YouTube channel – See daily life, special moments, expert interviews and resident stories in action.
About Oakwood Manor
Nestled in the heart of Victoria, Oakwood Manor is a boutique long-term care and memory living community committed to providing compassionate, person-centred support. Designed for seniors who require full-time care, Oakwood Manor offers a safe and nurturing environment where residents feel truly at home. The community features private and semi-private rooms, 24-hour nursing care, and tailored services that honour each individual’s dignity, preferences, and wellness needs. As part of the Optima Living family—with over 15 years of experience in senior care across Western Canada—Oakwood Manor upholds a legacy of respect, empathy, and doing the right thing. Here, residents and their families find peace of mind knowing their loved ones are supported every day with heartfelt care and connection.