Turning Tables into Moments of Joy: Juniper Village at South Hills Expands Cognitive Wellness with Tovertafel

[Pittsburgh, PA] - Juniper Village at South Hills is expanding its approach to cognitive wellness through the use of Tovertafel, an interactive projection-based system designed to support individuals living with dementia and other cognitive challenges.

As part of Juniper Communities’ broader commitment to person-centered care, the technology, whose name means “magic table” in Dutch, turns everyday tabletops into interactive experiences using light projections and motion-based games. Individuals are invited to participate in activities such as guiding virtual objects, sorting colors and shapes, and interacting with animated environments that respond to simple hand and arm movements.

Designed to meet individuals where they are cognitively and physically, Tovertafel can be used in both group and one-on-one settings, allowing individuals of varying abilities to participate in its low-barrier interactive games and meaningful play. The system is currently in daily use at Juniper Village at South Hills, where community residents participate in interactive sessions for more than two hours each day across a library of nearly 50 games tailored to different skill levels.

What stands out most to team members is how quickly residents respond to it. Those who are typically quiet or less engaged often lean in, participate, and begin interacting with others in ways that don’t always happen in traditional programming. The game playing technology can also be used during family visits to increase engagement among family members and their loved ones.

“The Tovertafel brings our residents together to collaborate with one another and unlock their imagination instead of focusing on their differences,” said Tyler Funa, Executive Director of Juniper Village at South Hills.

Juniper Communities believes aging is a time of continued growth, purpose, and connection. Through dynamic programming that supports the whole person — mind, body, and spirit — Juniper Village at South Hills remains committed to creating an environment where older adults can thrive.

Families and community members can learn more about Tovertafel and its impact by viewing this video: Tovertafel Interactive Experience Video

Juniper Village at South Hills is located at 1320 Greentree Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15220. For more information, please call (412) 571-1300 or visit www.junipersouthhills.com.

About Juniper Communities

Juniper Communities, a leader in quality, value, and innovation, owns and operates senior living communities in Colorado, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas that emphasize the well-being, interaction and security of those who call Juniper home. Our approach to housing and care offers community members the opportunity to live a full life, regardless of age or health. Juniper’s innovative Connect4Life program has been proven to improve resident care by decreasing hospitalizations, re-hospitalizations, and urgent care visits, while offering potential cost savings to public programs such as Medicare. To learn more about the many ways Juniper Communities innovates in support of the communities’ residents, visit www.junipercommunities.com.