Principal Investigators


Professor Suzanne Martin

Institution


Ulster University

Contact information of lead PI


Country


United Kingdom

Title of project or programme


Technology enriched supported housing – a study into the lived experience of older people with dementia and their carers

Source of funding information


PHA/The Atlantic Philanthropies (HSCNI)

Total sum awarded (Euro)


€ 520,859

Start date of award


01/01/2015

Total duration of award in years


3.0

The project/programme is most relevant to:


Alzheimer's disease & other dementias

Keywords


Research Abstract


The aim of this feasibility study is to investigate the effects of individual specific reminiscence, facilitated through the use of bespoke software, on people with dementia and their carers. The objectives are 1) to refine the software specification (MemoryLane) and its application to tablet devices, 2) to test the usability of the system, 3) to examine the impact of facilitated reminiscence on people with dementia and their carers, 4) to explore users’ views on MemoryLane, 5) to promote independence and quality of life and 6) to incorporate an economic analysis with a view to informing a full cost-effectiveness study alongside a future RCT.The research will be conducted in the homes of participants within the Western Health and Social Care Trust and will have quantitative and qualitative components in three phases. Phase 1: A User Development Group consisting of Graeme Skelton (Co-Investigator) and a paired sample of 6 additional people with dementia and their carers, will work with the research team to co-create and test an updated MemoryLane system. Phase 2: The refined application will be implemented with a paired sample of 30 people with dementia and their family carers. A reminiscence trainer from the Reminiscence Network Northern Ireland will guide participants in the collection of memorabilia. Then an IT assistant will provide training in the use of MemoryLane. Participants will use the system for 4 months. Data on the usability of MemoryLane and its impact will be collected from all participants pre-implementation and at four time points post implementation. Outcome measures will examine the impact of reminiscence on mutuality, wellbeing, quality of life and quality of the relationship between the person with dementia and their carer.
Phase 3: Individual interviews will be conducted with people with dementia and their carers to explore their experience of MemoryLane.

Lay Summary


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