KEY MESSAGES |
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• Barriers Barriers to using technology for supporting meaningful activities in care include the high cost of equipment, the time-consumption of preparing sessions, and the length of time it takes to get to know people with dementia – especially those in later stages of the disease. Issues with the technology itself can also create another barrier to use. |
• Lessons learned It is possible to deliver meaningful activities in dementia using technology, but barriers first need to be overcome if this kind of technology is going to be implemented on a long-term basis. Similar studies should ensure that the technology works as intended and is usable prior to being tested in practice. |
• Recommendations for future research and practice People in later stages of dementia are not “closed books”; they are individuals with rich life stories. These stories should be used as resources for care professionals to better know the person with dementia, helping to improve relationships and job satisfaction within dementia care practice. Future research should identify feasible ways of implementing activities that utilize these stories on a long-term basis. |