A new tool is improving the lives of people living with dementia.

Salem Home was recently the recipient of an ABBY Board. Staff say it's an excellent tool for reducing agitation, anxiety, and aggression.

The wall-mounted touchscreen display engages residents through familiar tactile experiences and activities like turning a wheel to simulate driving a car. Staff say one resident never had a driver's license but regularly returns to the ABBY Board to "drive his vehicle."

Resident Care Manager Kim Enns says staff are thankful for the gift and the opportunity to engage residents in a new way.

The ABBY Board donation was made possible thanks to the Garden Valley Collegiate Youth in Philanthropy, Salem Ladies Auxiliary, and Salem Foundation.

"It is through the continued generosity of our community that we can provide Salem Home residents with the best possible lived experience," Enns says.

The gift is the second ABBY Board for Salem Home.

The Salem Ladies Auxiliary purchased the first ABBY for Salem Home which was installed in 2019 as part of the DementiAbility program, and staff say it has received positive feedback from the residents and staff.