Summary

 
Objectives

The objectives of ENABLE are to:

  • develop prototypes and provide test series of enabling technological products
  • develop methodology for assessment of effects of using the products, including cost/benefit analysis
  • examine whether the products can enable people with dementia living in their own home
  • raise awareness about the potentials of such technology

 

Brief description

The ENABLE project is concerned with development and adaptation of technological products which people with dementia (e.g. Alzheimer's disease) can use to carry out daily tasks which they previously were unable to do, due to the dementia disease. The selected products fall into three categories:

  • devices to support memory (time orientation, taking medicines etc.)
  • devices to provide pleasure and comfort (multimedia programmes)
  • devices to facilitate communication (pre-programmable telephone)

People with dementia will test the products in practice for up to one year, and effects of using them will be studies through interviews with the users and their carers. Mitigation or solving problems for people with dementia, enhanced self-esteem and well-being as well as costs and benefits at individual and society level will be focused.

Ethical issues will be addressed. Methodology for assessment of effects is being developed as part of the project. The methodology will provide a basis for outlining the protocol for the intervention trial with technological products. It will include a set of methods and tools related to assessment of health condition, body structure and function, personal factors (personality, attitudes, education etc.) as well as environmental factors (home environment, level of care services).

Qualities of the products as well as other factors of importance for the observed effects will be examined. Companies will be contacted to promote the commercialisation of the products that are found useful, user-friendly and acceptable by the user group.

 

Keywords
Dementia, assistive technology, independent living, cost/benefit, memory support, time orientation, locator for lost objects, cooker usage monitor, water level and temperature controller, automatic bedroom light, remote day planner, multimedia programmes.

Enabling products for persons with dementia

This is the web site of an exciting research project which is aimed at "marrying the new with the familiar" when developing and introducing new technology to people with dementia and their carers.

 
Product of the month: 
Programmable telephone with large buttons
Product of the month
Click for more information
 
Quality of Life
The project aims at facilitating independent living of people with early dementia and to promote their wellbeing through access to enabling systems and products. Pleasure, memory support, entertainment and own activity are key words in the project. The project is funded under the EC Programme Quality of Life and living resources, and will last for three years, starting in March 2001.
 
Five countries, wide experience
The partners are situated in England, Ireland, Finland, Lithuania and Norway, are interdisciplinary and have wide experience in dementia care and research, technology development and human factors.
 
Contact us
We welcome questions and comments!
-> post@enableproject.org

 

Funded by the European Commission under the Programme "Quality of Life and Management of Living Resources", Contract No. QLK6 - 2000 - 00653

 
 
       
Last updated:
22-Nov-2004

 
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