Welcome to the “We are the World Blogfest” (#WATWB ). The #WATWB was inspired by a simple conversation about how all the negativity on social media was weighing on us. Wanting to make a difference we decided to try to do our part to infuse social media with all the good stories that are out there. We hope to share the stories that show kindness, compassion, hope, overcoming challenges and in general, the impressive resilience of the human spirit. For every dark, negative story out there, there is a positive, heartwarming story that will add some light and lift the human spirit. The last Friday of every month bloggers will share their stories led by five co-hosts, this month’s co-hosts are Sylvia McGrath, Peter Nena, Shilpa Garg, Inderpreet Uppal, and myself, Belinda Witzenhausen. To learn more about #WATWB or to join us click here!
Working in social services and having had dementia touch my family, I am aware of the path this dreaded disease takes. Watching a loved one waste away, lose all joy and become apathetic disengaging from life can be incredibly heartbreaking. Thanks to a Dutch invention, the “magic table” or Tovertafel currently in over 500 nursing homes in the UK is helping dementia patients engage again with their minds and bodies. Hoping that these become a staple in many long term care facilities and like most technology perhaps eventually a smaller and more affordable option will be available for caregivers everywhere.
Watch here to learn more about Tovertafel:
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https://www.bbc.com/news/av/stories-45642031/magic
Poem by Stacey Cirillo via Alzheimers.net
Belinda Witzenhausen 
Hi
http://lookingforthelight.blog/2019/02/21/powerlifter-lifts-2-ton-suv-off-man-trapped-underneath-watwb/
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Reblogged this on Waterstone Way and commented:
When I watched the video, I wanted to play along. This seems like a great thing for those with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Check this and other blogs over the #WATWB We Are The World Blogfest weekend.
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Looks fun doesn’t it!?😊Thanks so much for sharing and for all of your behind the scenes work with #WATWB!😊
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This is such a fun and interesting way to engage dementia patients. The smile and joy on the face of the lady with the brush is so heartwarming. Hope that this Magic Table is accessible to a lot more people. Thanks for sharing this lovely story, Belinda!
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I hope it becomes mainstream, I’ve seen dementia first hand through both work and having family members going through it. This really seems to have potential, lets hope it gains in popularity. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and for being a part of #WATWB. 🙂
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Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful initiative. It is close to my heart as my mother had dementia but left this world before it became too severe.
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So sorry about your Mother, my heart goes out to you. Hopefully this will help add some joy to those who are suffering. Thank you so much for stopping by and for being a part of #WATWB!
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I love this story because I have Dementia and my granny died of Dementia, This is a miricle at keeping people engaged and a smile in their heart. Thanks for sharing the great invention. Have a great day. M
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Sorry for your diagnosis, I hope you can find some assistance to keep it at bay. Thanks so much for stopping by and for being a part of #WATWB.
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I’m in the early/mid stage, doing well just forget current stuff. It’s a shame I couldn’t have forgotten the crap of my childhood. 🙂
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Oh Belinda this one really touches my heart as well, as my family has had to deal with the heartbreak of dementia. What a fabulous innovation, and it certainly does look like fun.
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Doesn’t it! I’m sorry you’ve experienced this too…definitely heartbreaking to say the least. Hope this becomes mainstream soon! Thanks so much for stopping by and for being a part of #WATWB.
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I love it when technology is used for good things like helping people. It’s nice to watch the smiles.
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Agreed! This seems like such a great example! Thanks so much for stopping by and for being a part of #WATWB
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Wow, what a brilliant invention! The old folks look like they’re loving it. As someone who helps take care of a 102 year old woman with deep dementia, I wish she could experience this, but I’m glad other folks can.
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I agree, I hope it becomes mainstream soon, looks like such a brilliant concept. Thanks for stopping by and for being part of #WATWB.
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It’s great Belinda. I thought of Narnia and the ‘Stone Table’ where healing happens. Wonderful story and really good videos to enhance it. You’re such an ace WATWB person. Thanks for the inspiration that you and Damyanti give to us, and thanks for co-hosting.
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Aww thanks so much Simon. I always find great stories it’s often so hard to choose. With seeing first hand both through work and family this one stood out for me. Thanks for stopping by and for being such a great supporter of #WATWB! 🙂
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Oh, I wish I had had one of these for my mother! I wonder if it would have kept her alert and engaged a little longer. *I* would play with one of these!
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My heart goes out to you, I wondered the same with my family members. Me too, they look like fun don’t they?😊
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Wonderful share Belinda. Great and fun ideas to keep the mind active. 🙂
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Wonderful post Belinda thank you! Will share! A delight to see the people – and the children – so engaged! Thank you for co-hosting this month and have a great week 🙂
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Hi Belinda – hadn’t seen that on the Beeb … so great to share and I love the music that accompanies the video. Seems to really engage everyone – must be fun … I’ll keep an eye open and see if I can find one – thanks … great share – cheers Hilary
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I loved it when I watched it! Having worked in geriatric centers and having had family members with dementia, I can definitely see the benefits of it. I hope they begin to appear more in facilities. Thanks so much for stopping by and taking part in #WATWB!😊
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This is wonderful. I would love to introduce the ‘magic table’ to my father. https://noelliesplace.com/2019/03/04/love-without-a-name/
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Thanks so much, so glad you stopped by! Let me know how he enjoys it. Hope you have a fantastic week!😊
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This is heartbreaking and heartwarming in equal measure.
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This is so gorgeous!
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I know, it looks like fun! 😊
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