1: Forget-me-not AS; 2: Tellu AS; 3: Karde AS. Norway

Can technology support the QoL of people with dementia?

Inger Hagen1, Lars Thomas Boye2, Riitta Hellman3 and Gro Marit Rødevand3

Conceptualisation of QoL in Dementia. Brod et al. The Gerontologist, 1999

2

” .....to intervene and affect QoL is far greater than to affect the course of the

disease”

Interaction capacity and Sense of Aesthetics Sense of Wellbeing: affected by loneliness,

boredom, feeling of belonging, humour Recreational activities, hobbies Social participation

How can ICT:

Facilitate communication, reduce social isolation?

Support sensory awareness, appreciation of nature, artistic expression and appreciation?

Facilitate recreational activities, hobbies?

4

ICT and elderly:Use, Pleasure, Coping

Interviews: Group 1: 6 persons (71 – 79 yrs., small

town, 5 women) Group 2: 11 women (approx. 80 yrs.,

Oslo)

5

ICT and elderly:Use, Pleasure, Coping

TV and radio: pleasure and company Topics for small talks, discussions Mobile phone popular, more varied use in

group 1 Few used PC in group 2 Individual differences in motivation and

capabilities for ICT

6

Different content preferences

Music, news, nature, history, local news

Crim, sport Quizz, humour

”Peter, could you get a TV where they speak more slowly?”

Modern ICT often difficult to use User instructions not user friendly What can go wrong – what happens? Abbreviations – what do they mean? Where can we get help?

ICT for people with dementia:Carers views

Much pleasure in watching TV, news, short comics programmmes, nature, weather

Some experienced new interests, e.g. for sport

Commercials and debates not interestingFrustrating when not ”keeping the thread”Can create confusion; unknown people all

around

Carers views, Cont’d

Radio important; music programmesPhotos and pictures as

communication Mobile phone, CD/DVD-playerOne person still used PC

ICT for people with dementia

User requirements, usability, change over time flexibile solutions

Personalised contentFocus on user friendly designTolerance for error

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