Residents at Terrace Lodge are benefiting from a new piece of interactive technology, thanks to the generosity of a local service club.
Members of the Terrace Lodge Fundraising Committee, including Elgin County Warden Dominique Giguère and Malahide Councillor Sarah Leitch, welcomed representatives from the South Dorchester Optimist Club to see the newly installed ABBY activation platform in action.
Through multiple donations to the Comforts of Home Campaign, the Optimist Club covered the full $10,000 cost of the system and its installation.
ABBY is a dementia-care technology designed to promote independence, emotional well-being and meaningful engagement. Mounted to the wall and available around the clock, the interactive platform invites residents to take part in familiar activities on their own.
From petting a virtual cat and watching it respond, to turning a steering wheel to “drive” down a country road or twisting a radio knob to hear a favourite song, the system uses simple, nostalgic interactions to spark memories and create moments of connection.
Staff say the addition enhances daily life for residents by offering accessible, engaging activities tailored to those living with cognitive challenges.
The Terrace Lodge team expressed gratitude to the South Dorchester Optimist Club for helping bring the innovative and supportive technology to the home, calling it a meaningful investment in the comfort and well-being of residents.
Written by: Kennedy Freeman
