Output details

Using a touch screen computer to support relationships between people with dementia and caregivers

Gowans is a co-investigator and lead designer of the CIRCA system and is responsible for the continuing iterations of the design based on field research and consultation with project partners. This has become a more critical role since the systems were launched as commercial products in 2010 with new iterations in 2011. All of the teams’ outputs are discussed at weekly meetings or conference calls including research strategies, publication, clinical studies etc. The contributing author is also a co-founder of CIRCAConnect Ltd, a UoD start-up company set-up to develop and commercialise the teams’ research.

The paper reports an evaluation of the utility of CIRCA – our communication support system for people living with dementia – looking particularly at whether CIRCA can meet the needs of both people with dementia and caregivers to engage in mutually satisfying interactions. The findings confirm that people with dementia can use the touch screen system and that the contents prompt them to reminisce. The system also supports caregivers to interact with people with dementia as more equal participants in the conversation. The results suggest that interacting with the touch screen system is engaging and enjoyable for people with dementia and caregivers alike, and provides a supportive interaction environment that positively benefits their relationships.