Einsatz digitaler Beschäftigung in der stationären und ambulanten Langzeitpflege bei Menschen mit Demenz und älteren Personen mit erhöhtem Pflegebedarf zum Erhalt kognitiver und kommunikativer Fähigkeiten

Abstract

Background: At an older age and with increasing life expectancy, more and more people are affected by dementia. Individual, multifaceted solutions are needed to maintain and promote their cognitive abilities. In view of new technological possibilities, digital assistive applications for people with dementia are coming into focus. Method: Mixed-methods approach: The study included 16 persons over 64 years of age who had medically-diagnosed dementia or cognitive impairments and an increased need for care (from care level 2), were in an inpatient long-term care facility or a day care facility, and used the digital table system there for several weeks in individual and group activities. In addition, seven professionals from the four participating facilities with a focus on physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nursing and social care were recruited for expert interviews. Results: The digital activity with the table system used for people with dementia, cognitive impairments and an increased need for care is suitable for use in outpatient and inpatient long-term care. It was found to have positive effects, especially on the communicative abilities of the test persons. For people with severe forms of dementia, however, digital occupation is only recommended to a limited extent. Staff should always be present during activity. The test persons assessed the digital table system positively for the most part: 60% stated that they liked using the system frequently. For 80%, it was easy to learn how to use the table, but for 24% it also contained too many application options. The study participants found the digital table system's offerings attractive, stimulating, and original. The transparency of the system, on the other hand, was rated as rather difficult. Conclusion: Successful use of digital activities for people with dementia and those with an increased need for care can be supported by a flexible approach of the staff towards technological developments and a needs-based, pre-developed concept for engaging the target group, as well as sufficient time for its implementation. Keywords: digital activity, dementia, cognitive impairment, communication, assistive technologies, serious games, inpatient and outpatient long-term care