New online technology resource developed to support people living with dementia

Author: Martin Hodgson

The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has published a new online resource on the provision and use of technology to support people living with dementia and their carers.

The resource includes a range of guidance materials, tips and advice. The key topics covered include:

• Introducing technology – making sure that a person with dementia is not distracted by the unfamiliar
• Using communications technology – helping people with dementia to use technology to keep in touch with family and friends and maintain important relationships
• Creating a life story – using technology as a way to create a full picture of someone’s experiences, likes and dislikes
• Entertainment – using technology for entertainment, information, stimulation and social engagement
• Enhancing creativity – using technology as a way of offering a person with dementia the chance to create and express themselves in a range of different ways
• Technology to enhance and support independence – including telecare, trackers, smart phone apps and health gadgets
• Technology in care homes – the contribution that technology and the use of data can make to improve the care and support of residents with dementia living in the care or nursing home

Used sensitively and thoughtfully, SCIE state that new technologies can be used to enhance rather than replace human relationships and interactions. It can also provide peace of mind and reassurance for carers who don’t necessarily live near their loved one.

The SCIE technology guidance can be accessed by clicking here – this will take you to their website where you can explore each of the above topics in detail and learn more about this initiative.

About the author:

Martin Hodgson MSc, PGCEA is a community psychiatric nurse by background, and has had a long career working as a senior manager in various health agencies, including mental health, primary and community care.

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