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Centre for Policy on Ageing | |
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Keeping In Touch Everyday (KITE) project
— developing assistive technologies with people with dementia and their carers to promote independence | | Author(s) | Louise Robinson, Katie Brittain, Stephen Lindsay |
| Journal title | International Psychogeriatrics, vol 21, no 3, June 2009 |
| Pages | pp 494-502 |
| Keywords | Dementia ; Informal care ; Independence ; Assistive technology ; Design ; Participation ; Projects. |
| Annotation | The role of technology to facilitate independent living for people with dementia is not fully realised, with initial attempts (e.g. tracking devices) being considered unacceptable from a practical and ethical perspective. The aim of this study is to create acceptable and effective prototype technologies to facilitate independence for people with dementia through a user-centred design process involving them and their carers. The study comprised a three-stage participatory design process: scoping stage, participatory design stage, and prototype development stage. Focus groups and workshops were digitally recorded, fully transcribed and subjected to constant comparative analysis. People with mild to moderate dementia enjoy a variety of activities both on their own and with their families; however, concerns included getting lost, a loss of confidence with curtailment of usual activities, and carer anxiety. Existing technologies (mobile phones) were used intermittently. Participants felt strongly that future devices should be disguised and be integrated easily into their daily routines. Suggested areas for functional improvement included two-way communications, flexibility of function as the illness progresses, and something to 'guide' them home when out walking or driving. Attention should also be focused on minimising the size, weight and visibility of devices to reduce stigmatisation. Prototypes for two devices (armband and electronic notepad) were developed. The study showed that involving people with dementia in the process of participatory design is feasible and could lead to devices which are more acceptable and relevant to their needs. (KJ/RH). |
| Accession Number | CPA-090616218 A |
| Classmark | EA: P6: C3: M: 33: TMB: 3E |
Data © Centre for Policy on Ageing |
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| ...from the Ageinfo database published by Centre for Policy on Ageing. |
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