The Touch and Feel of the Past—Using Haptic and VR Artefacts to Enrich Reminiscence Therapy for People with Dementia

Abstract

New technology always needs validation in terms of stakeholder acceptance and usability. This challenge also applies in the case of technology for reminiscence therapy for people with dementia. We are looking at how to overcome this situation and identifying how technology can support reminiscence therapy. Therefore, we are conducting user research with people with dementia and their caregivers, prototyping multimedia approaches and testing for efficacy and acceptance of these approaches. Reminiscence therapy is an important aspect in the care for people with dementia as it improves their wellbeing. So far, mostly conventional, analog media is used for this purpose. Our qualitative research suggests that technology can enrich traditional reminiscence therapy, foster conversations, and support positive interactions between caregivers and people with dementia. As outcomes, we identify that special consideration should be directed toward the choice of personally relevant and engaging content, contextual factors of the therapy situations, and high usability of potential therapy artefacts. Suggestions for future research and further prototype iterations are provided.