People living with dementia leading home technology tours
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Barbirolli Room |
Arlene Astell
Professor of Cyberpsychology
Northumbria University
Summary
Current technologies contain functions which can support cognition, such as calendar reminders. These functions can benefit everyone, including people living with dementia. However, little is known about how people living with dementia use existing technologies and what functions they find helpful. Thirteen individuals (5F/8M) living with dementia in different parts of England, agreed to lead Technology Tours of their homes. Participants described multiple technologies that they use in their everyday lives, including televisions, and mobility aids, alongside digital devices. Their reasons were maintaining meaningful activities, social connectedness, and supporting cognition. Their technology choices were based on usability, safety and independence. These findings indicate that people living with dementia are currently using a wide range of technologies to support their everyday lives. The results can help dispel myths about the interest and ability of people living with dementia to use technology and encourage wider use of readily available functions and devices.