*Project newsletter- December 2010- Download a copy
New touch screen technology opens up a new world of
opportunities for people for memory difficulties. Computers and information
technology have tended to be used by the younger generation to enhance their
life opportunities through gaming, productivity, social networking or life
organisation. The complexity of keyboards, mouse and operating systems have
prevented older people from becoming involved, but with the development of
touch screen mobile devices this is all about to change. Apple's new iPad
delivers a cutting edge IT solution with a simplified touch screen interface.
The device gives access to over 200,000 software apps to support individuals to
have new interactive experiences. Many of these apps are based upon music, art,
interaction and general entertainment with the ability for people of a wide
range of cognitive abilities to participate and enjoy. This project aims to
harness the power of this new technology and evaluate its potential to enhance
the quality of life of people with memory difficulties.
The device can be used to:
- Life Story Work - professional templates devised to enable staff and carers to record an individual's life history
- Advanced Planning Templates - templates to support individuals to record future wishes
- Creative Art - numerous art creation apps (see panels opposite for examples)
- Photographic Manipulation apps - art creation from supplied images
- Generational Videos - access to You Tube and ‘Pathe newsreel' archive
- Google Maps and images - internet & real view maps to enable quick access to localised images or views (e.g. showing someone where they used to live etc)
- Life & Memory Management - apps that prompt and remind individuals or highlight images of important people with names to support memory recall (e.g. medication / appointment reminding)
Partnership Organisations
- Alive! Charity - already using 3G mobile technology to enhance the quality of life of people with memory difficulties in care homes across the South West region. They are providing support with website design, template design, working with care staff in interactive activities, art exhibition, raising additional finance through website donations to support the long-term running of project
- Hereford S.A. Photographic Club - providing images on device for manipulation, supporting the printing and framing of art work for exhibition
- Sure Care Services - Applying for additional iPad devices via the SCIE Get Connected Fund for use in the Specialist Intermediate Care service for Life Story work, meaningful activity, assessment
- Care Homes / Day Opp Providers - independent providers willing to pilot devices in care homes and day opp environments providing feedback about software apps, forwarding completed artwork and supporting individuals with life story experience
Innovation
The project will develop a Memory Apps website
whereby the art work will be displayed. A scoring sheet will be produced to
enable individuals to identify software apps appropriateness so that peer
reviewed information will be available to people across the world to support
their purchasing decisions. Anyone using the apps will be encouraged to e-mail
their artwork to the website direct from the device.
An Exhibition of Art and Photographs will be
organised later in the year with support of local Photographic club /
Alzheimer's Society / Art College / Alive! Charity showcasing the work being
produced, highlighting how people with memory difficulties can live meaningful
and active lives.
Project
Costs
| 16GB 3G iPad x 2 devices |
£1,060 |
| Peripherals (connection devices, screens, cases
etc) |
£140 |
| Software apps |
£200 |
| Website creation |
£100 |
| Total Cost
of Project |
£1,500 |
Project
Management
Andrew Morris - Project Lead (Planning Officer,
Integrated Commissioning)
Tel No. (01432) 344344 or e-mail:
Andrew.Morris@herefordpct.nhs.uk
Tim Lloyd-Yeates - Assistant Project Lead (Executive
Director, Alive! Charity)
Website: www.aliveactivities.org.uk
