AT Guide: developing a new way to help people with dementia and their carers find information about assistive technology

Abstract

Purpose

Atdementia.org.uk is well established as the primary information resource about assistive technology (AT) that is helpful specifically for people with dementia. This paper aims to describe the development of a new online interface for the website that aims to encourage people with dementia to talk about the problems they are experiencing in their daily lives; guide them towards advice and information about technologies and other strategies that might be helpful; and enable them to become more involved in choices about their care and support.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the design process of the AT Guide and how people with dementia were involved in all aspects of the design. The design needed to balance the goals and aspirations of people with dementia with the database of assistive technology that is available and offer non technological solutions where appropriate.

Findings

Combining skills and knowledge from different organisations has enabled the creation of a useful online service for people with dementia and their families. The project showed that using creative ways involving people with dementia in the development of products and services is both possible and desirable.

Originality/value

For people with dementia and their carers finding information about appropriate assistive technologies is not easy. This project demonstrates that, by working with people with dementia, information can be provided in a useful way.

Citation

Savitch, N., Brooks, D. and Wey, S. (2012), "AT Guide: developing a new way to help people with dementia and their carers find information about assistive technology", Journal of Assistive Technologies, Vol. 6 No. 1, pp. 76-80. https://doi.org/10.1108/17549451211214391