Dementia Care and Technology
Authors: Cutler, C. and Innes, A.
Conference: Alzheimer’s Disease International
Dates: 1-4 May 2014
Abstract:There is little research exploring the experiences of people with dementia and their engagement with technologies such as the Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and the Apple I Pad. Use of such equipment in dementia care practices can promote social engagement, mental stimulation, and physical activity. This presentation will report on a pilot project, conducted in the South of England involving people with dementia in a ‘Technology Club’, which aimed to encourage engagement in social and leisure activities through the use of the above technologies.
This pilot study identified that the Technology Club provided opportunities for social interaction, stimulation and access to learning in addition to carers and care staff reporting seeing enhanced communication, motivation, alertness and heightened wellbeing. This section needs more Technology can aid people with dementia in developing and acquiring new skills and knowledge. Games and apps such as bowling, balance games and Google Earth are exciting ways to encourage people with dementia to exercise, challenge their physical abilities and to have fun. A larger research study is required to test the initial findings on a larger scale.
Source: Manual