New technology at UPA Murray Vale Shalem Hostel, made possible by fundraising, is bringing aged care residents and their families closer.
Community Crew Albury raised $20,000 for UPA to purchase the German-designed Tovertafel Original, a computer and projector which turns any surface into an interactive game.
Care manager Jaqui Hastings said the group's contribution, joining with some support from Brady's Social Club, allowed them to tick the technology off their wish-list.
"We had an activities officer who moved over to Yackandandah Health - she told us about this amazing table they had there," she said.
"So the clinical nurse specialist and I went out to look at it - and yes, it was amazing
"Community Crew have funded a lot of things for us; we do Montessori care, which they originally funded, they funded a tilt-in-space wheelchair for us.
"We've developed a really good relationship and we are so grateful."
Ms Hastings said the Tovertafel had been in high demand since it was installed in August.
"It's aimed at all levels of people; there's card games, bubble-popping and all sorts of options," she said.
"Even with people that are really quite unsettled, we sit them next to it and they can't help but be engaged.
"It's really interactive for families - if mum's non-verbal, they can both sit at the table and play games together."
Community Crew members had their first look at the technology yesterday, after UPA entry rules changed to allow visitors providing proof of vaccination coverage and a negative rapid antigen test.
Carol McIndoe said her group had been supporting UPA for four years.
"They presented at one of our fundraisers. Most of us have got family members who have had dementia, and it hit home that these people need stimulation," she said.
"Jaqui told us the people here that usually aren't involved in activities love this.
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"With the help of our donations and fundraising events, we've been luckily enough to be able to make their dream come true."
Community Crew ran fundraisers, including at the Jack Maher Classic with Wodonga Turf Club's support, and also used Border Trust funds to purchase the Tovertafel.
