Designing technology to improve quality of life for people with dementia: user-led approaches

Abstract

This paper addresses the design of assistive technology that specifically aims to support an improvement in the quality of life of people with dementia. Starting from interviews with users, a grounded theory approach was used to compile a wish list of issues important for maintaining quality of life. A large list of potential technologies that could address these issues was generated, and four were selected for initial development: a music player, a device to reduce social isolation, a conversation prompter, and a device to support sequences of tasks. The music player and social isolation device are described in this paper in detail. A user-led approach to their design was followed, including approaches to finding control interfaces that were intuitive for people with dementia. The paper concludes with a list of recommendations for designers looking to develop equipment of this kind.

Factors influencing quality of life of elderly people with dementia and care implications: A systematic review

“…Occurrence of challenging behaviours such as physical aggressive behaviours are recognised as another adverse predictor in QoL rating (Grske et al, 2014;Winzelberg et al, 2005;. 20 The influences of physical activities on QoL for elderly people with dementia were identified by five studies (Potter et al, 2011;Beerens et al, 2014;Letts et al, 2011;Silberfeld et al, 2002;Orpwood et al, 2007). The results indicate that active participation into daily physical activities has a positive effect on QoL in elderly people with dementia.…”

“…According to the findings of seven studies (Moyle et al, 2011;Woods et al, 2014;Clare et al, 2014b;Nikmat et al, 2015;O'Rourke et al, 2015;Orpwood et al, 2007;and Moyle et al, 2015) it is suggested that higher quality of relationship with family, friends, neighbours and caregivers, either family caregivers or care staff, is associated with increased QoL of elderly people with dementia. In addition, effective communication with their caregivers for elderly people with dementia will enhance their QoL (Young et al, 2011;Orpwood et al, 2007).…”

“…According to the findings of seven studies (Moyle et al, 2011;Woods et al, 2014;Clare et al, 2014b;Nikmat et al, 2015;O'Rourke et al, 2015;Orpwood et al, 2007;and Moyle et al, 2015) it is suggested that higher quality of relationship with family, friends, neighbours and caregivers, either family caregivers or care staff, is associated with increased QoL of elderly people with dementia. In addition, effective communication with their caregivers for elderly people with dementia will enhance their QoL (Young et al, 2011;Orpwood et al, 2007). Social connection with family, community and nature, such as gathering and talking with family, friends, and neighbours (Marventano et al, 2015;Moyle et al, 2015;Moyle et al, 2011;O'Rourke et al, 2015;Castillo et al, 2010;Gräske et al, 2015;Byrne et al, 2006;Orpwood et al, 2007), access to nature (Orpwood et al, 2007), and participation in social activities like organised outside activities (Moyle et al, 2015;Silberfeld et al, 2002;Orpwood et al, 2007), contribute to a higher level of QoL for 23 elderly people with dementia.…”

“…In addition, effective communication with their caregivers for elderly people with dementia will enhance their QoL (Young et al, 2011;Orpwood et al, 2007). Social connection with family, community and nature, such as gathering and talking with family, friends, and neighbours (Marventano et al, 2015;Moyle et al, 2015;Moyle et al, 2011;O'Rourke et al, 2015;Castillo et al, 2010;Gräske et al, 2015;Byrne et al, 2006;Orpwood et al, 2007), access to nature (Orpwood et al, 2007), and participation in social activities like organised outside activities (Moyle et al, 2015;Silberfeld et al, 2002;Orpwood et al, 2007), contribute to a higher level of QoL for 23 elderly people with dementia. Besides, two studies (George, 2010;Letts et al, 2011) explored the role of volunteering in QoL for elderly people with dementia.…”

“…Also, Orpwood et al (2007) recognised that application of dementia-led assistive technology, such as a simple music player and a conversation prompter, in elderly people with dementia appears linked to increase in their QoL.…”