The impact of assistive software application to facilitate people with dementia through participatory research

Abstract

Abstract Due to the ever-increasing number of people with dementia (PWD), the researchers are challenged with finding innovative ways for their wellbeing. This study explores the development and usability of a software application named the assistive brotherhood community (ABC) application as a potential alternative to help PWD. The ABC application is based on the actual requirements elicited from the PWD, and it supports multiple functionalities. The usability is tested through case studies involving eight PWD and 40 volunteers. The ABC application helped the PWD in getting their daily needs while staying in their homes. It further aided them in specific reminders, evoking memories, independent travel and updating events around them. Additionally, the enhanced interaction between the PWD and their neighbours reduced their social isolation. The results support the idea to create dementia-friendly communities at street level by combining the PWD, technology and people support. Such communities can potentially offer cost-effective and friendly environments for the PWD.