iPads can make a big difference to people living with dementia 'if used in the right way'

If used in the right way, iPads can enhance the lives of older people and those living with dementia, according to a new study.

Researchers at the Association for Dementia Studies at the University of Worcester looked at the impact of touchscreen tablets in Anchor care homes.

In the largest systematic roll-out of iPads in care homes in England, Anchor has introduced tablets to 75 per cent of its care homes (currently 63 homes across the country).

Dr Simon Evans, principal research fellow at Worcester University, who led the research, said: “This is the first time we’ve seen iPads introduced within care settings in this kind of comprehensive, considered way and at this scale.

“Central to our findings is that just having the technology present isn’t enough. The key is how the iPads are introduced and used and the training and support provided to staff to make the most of their potential to enhance quality of life.

“If used in the right way iPads can make a big difference to people living with dementia. This represents an innovative and significant step in understanding the role technology plays in improving quality of life and wellbeing.”

The study ‘How iPads can support people with dementia living in care homes’ identified some of the most useful apps for care staff to reassure, calm, interest and engage residents and found games like Pictionary and music apps can be used to bring groups together for fun or reminiscence.

It also revealed that in 98 per cent of cases, iPads are being used to create new activities or develop existing ones - suggesting they are further enriching residents’ lives rather than simply digitising what homes were already providing.

The iPads also allowed greater interaction between residents with 56 per cent of staff able to involve ten or more residents in activities at one time. Interaction with relatives was also cited as a key benefit with 46 per cent of staff involving family members through the use of iPads.

Joanne Laverty, a dementia specialist at Anchor said: “For us, it’s always about seeing the person before the dementia. That means everyone’s care is tailored to them, and activities and fun are central to that.

“As part of our Anchor Inspires model to deliver the best possible dementia care, we decided to introduce iPads across our care homes. Backed up with training and support for staff, it’s allowed us to explore an even greater range and breadth of ways for carers and families to connect with people living with dementia and ensure they get the most out of life.”

Anchor Inspires is an innovative model of care for people living with dementia. It provides a person-centred approach to understanding and enhancing the lives of people living with dementia, which includes providing tailored environments, high quality staff training and inspiring meaningful activity for residents.

The concept is based on theories and research from around the globe as well as existing best practice in Anchor care homes. Anchor’s in-house dementia experts have developed the innovative model, which includes 55 indicators to assess outstanding dementia care.

Zahid Khan who has overseen the iPads project at Anchor said: “iPads in care homes are a vital, life enhancing resource for people living with dementia. Tablets built to the right technical specification and used by trained carers, can have a positive impact on the quality of someone’s life.

“Working with activity co-ordinators in Anchor’s care homes has enabled me to see some ‘magic moments’ first-hand, where someone can see their grandchild for the first time over Skype or when a former pianist living with arthritis can play again using a music app.”

Anchor and the University of Worcester have published a guide with advice on the best ways to use iPads to help care for people living with dementia. This can found at http://www.anchor.org.uk/sites/default/files/news_articles/documents/How-iPads-can-support-people-with-dementia-living-in-care-homes-summary-report-2015.pdf

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