Keeping Connected
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Presentation Transcript
Keeping Connected Using modern technology to enhance involvement of the Scottish Dementia Working Group
Pat McGonigal • I have been a member of the Scottish Dementia Working Group since it started in 2001 • The type of dementia that I have is called Korsakoffs • I am a keen swimmer and painter • The iPad classes have showed me that computers can be fun! @patjmcgonigal
Scottish Dementia Working Group • We are a national campaigning group run by people with dementia and are the independent voice of people with dementia within Alzheimer Scotland • We campaign to improve services for people with dementia • We identified technology as one of our priorities • Technology is also a priority of the National Dementia Strategy
How the iPad training started • We successfully applied for funding to purchase iPads for a one year pilot project • Initial training involved peer support and one-to-one tuition, provided by a SDWG volunteer • We then hired an IT training company to deliver a 6 week course, with participants receiving a certificate at the end
The next step… • After the success of the first training course, further training was secured for the group, with those who completed the first course given the chance to complete a more advanced course • The second course ran for 10 weeks in summer 2016
Challenges • Some members initially had some difficulty operating the iPads • Some members worked better with one-to-one tuition but some preferred learning as a group • Some also found it difficult to remember everything they had learned in the class
Overcoming the challenges • Some members dropped out or decided to try a tablet computer instead • We tailored the training to the members with group work followed by one to one tuition • The classes are now accompanied by handouts
The outcomes • Many of the original group can now use email, browse the Internet and use Twitter • All our committee are now on email which helps decision making and involvement • They can Skype or FaceTime into meetings, allowing them to take part when unable to travel.
What they said “The iPad classes have made a big difference to me. I am more confident with technology and have learned a lot in a short time” Henry Rankin @henryrankin52
Inspiring others • Other members who could not attend the classes in Glasgow were still inspired to learn • Nancy McAdam attended an iPad class in Fortrose and learnt to email, Tweet and take ‘selfies’! • She now uses her iPad to keep in touch with family and friends @nancyhmcadam
Going forward • A new six month block of iPad classes started in September 2016 • We are making use of some technologies and ideas specifically designed for enhancing lives of people with dementia such as the MindMate app • We are making up ‘Playlists for Life’. This is a collection of music that has special meaning for us. Personally, I am a big fan of the Rolling Stones!
Our commitment • Both the SDWGand Alzheimer Scotland are committed to helping members use technology to stay connected • We want to give people with dementia the opportunities to engage with campaigning, research, policy and influencing change
Keep in touch with us: Twitter: @SDWG Email: sdwg@alzsoct.org Website: www.sdwg.org.uk