Innovating Dementia Care: Key Takeaways from a Co-Creation Workshop
Dementia care requires innovative approaches to address the growing challenges faced by patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. On November 5, 2024, the University of Manchester hosted a co-creation workshop that brought together diverse participants, including caregivers, health professionals, and researchers, to identify gaps in dementia care and explore potential solutions through digital tools like the Healthentia app.
Key Challenges in Dementia Care
The workshop highlighted critical pain points in dementia care:
- Early Symptoms: Participants identified memory loss, confusion, and emotional strain as common initial signs.
- Daily Challenges: Managing safety, independence, and emotional well-being were central concerns.
- Support Gaps: Participants noted the lack of community resources, caregiver respite, and clear guidance from healthcare systems.
Through collaborative discussions, participants created personas to represent the diverse needs of dementia patients, emphasizing tailored care strategies.
Digital Health Tool Feedback
The Healthentia app was reviewed for its potential as a health-monitoring tool, integrating features like activity tracking and virtual coaching. While praised for its user-friendly design, participants suggested:
- Adding dementia-specific features, such as memory exercises.
- Improving accessibility with voice activation and simplified navigation for older users.
- Introducing motivational elements like community support or goal-based challenges to sustain engagement.
Path Forward
The workshop underscored the need for:
- Home-Based Care: Keeping dementia patients in familiar environments with adequate in-home support.
- Enhanced Tools: Adapting apps for cognitive health and dementia-specific needs.
- Community Engagement: Expanding activities and social opportunities for patients and caregivers.
This workshop demonstrated the importance of collaboration in addressing dementia care. By refining digital tools and fostering community support, we can enhance the lives of those affected by dementia.
**Article written by University of Manchester (UniMan), a key partner in the COMFORTage project
