The use of free non-dementia-specific Apps on iPad to conduct group communication exercises for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease (Innovative Practice)

Abstract

This study examined the use of various iPad Apps to conduct group cognitive exercises for clients with mild or early stage dementia of Alzheimer's type. A list of free non-dementia-specific Apps suitable for group sessions was compiled. The procedures in choosing these Apps and determining the most successful ones for group exercises were discussed. Based on participants' and professionals' responses to the use of these Apps, the results would render practitioners useful guidelines in replicating and running technology-based training for individuals with dementia.

Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being and virtual care for people living with dementia and care partners living in the community

“…Remote support for social interaction for people living with dementia and care partners should be explored. There is evidence that tablet-based interventions can benefit cognition and self-perceived quality of life for people living with dementia Kong, 2020), and ongoing work is being made with integrating social robots into the care of people with dementia in the community (Hung et al, 2019;Korchut et al, 2017). Rapid implementation of these innovative technological solutions may provide one strategy to increase social interaction and improve well-being in times of pandemic public health restrictions.…”

Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on well-being and virtual care for people living with dementia and care partners living in the community

“…Remote support for social interaction for people living with dementia and care partners should be explored. There is evidence that tablet based interventions can benefit cognition and self-perceived quality of life for people living with dementia (Hung et al, 2020; Kong, 2020) and ongoing work is being made with integrating social robots into the care of people with dementia in the community (Hung et al, 2019; Korchut, 2017). Rapid implementation of these innovative technological solutions may provide one strategy to increase social interaction and improve well-being in times of pandemic public health restrictions.…”

COVID-19 and Aphasia

“…Like many clinical services, regular speech and language therapies have been hit hard by COVID-19. For most clinicians, delivery of alternative models of PWA services (e.g., teletherapy or technology-mediated exercises [e.g., 33,65,66]) was a trial and error process as they were learning and exploring various new options and corresponding implementation standards. These changes have created opportunities for appraisal and/or expansion of existing services [67••] and made many clinical teams well-prepared for whatever restrictions that may come in the future [68,69]; the culture of communicative accessibility that can improve social connectedness for PWA can also be promoted [70], echoing a recent call for "Physical Distancing and Social Connectedness" (PDSC) aphasia treatment and support groups to improve PWA's social and emotional fulfillment [71•].…”