In an age dominated by digital advancements, individuals with dementia often find themselves facing formidable barriers when it comes to adopting and utilizing technology. Whether it’s the lack of support from caregivers or the scarcity of tailored materials, the digital divide for those with dementia is a critical issue that demands attention.
More specifically, one of the primary challenges these people face, is the insufficient support and knowledge available to caregivers tasked with training individuals with dementia in the use of digital technologies. Care providers often face difficulties bridging the gap between the technological world and the unique needs of those living with dementia. At the same time, the scarcity of materials specifically tailored for people with dementia exacerbates the problem. Without resources that cater to their cognitive and emotional needs, individuals with dementia struggle to engage with technology effectively, hindering their ability to benefit from the digital age.
Recognizing these challenges, the mHEALTH-AD project is stepping up, presenting a Training Programme designed to empower people with dementia to embrace mHealth technologies and enhance their self-management of health and overall quality of life. A key component of the Training Programme involves direct training in the selection and utilization of mHealth solutions relevant to individuals with dementia. Through experiential activities conducted in a safe and friendly environment, participants will acquire digital skills tailored to their needs. Additionally, the development of adapted training materials will further support these hands-on learning experiences.
Recognizing the power of motivation in the learning process, the mHEALTH-AD project incorporates a gamification approach. A digital game, intricately designed to motivate learners, will provide an engaging platform for individuals with dementia to enhance their skills in a digital environment. This innovative method aims to make the learning process enjoyable and effective.
To further enhance the training process, the mHEALTH-AD project introduces an e-training tool. This tool incorporates various features specifically designed to support the learning process for people with disabilities, creating a customized and adaptive approach to training. By fostering empowerment, experiential learning, gamification, and advanced e-training tools, this project builds a bridge over the digital divide, ensuring that individuals with dementia can fully participate in and benefit from the digital age.
