Memory Keeper: A prototype digital application to improve engagement with people with dementia in long-term care (innovative practice)

Abstract

People with dementia living in long-term care commonly experience loneliness and lack of meaningful activity. Memory Keeper is a prototype digital application that presents personalised prompts to stimulate reminiscences and meaningful engagement with formal and informal carers. A trial involving three persons with dementia in long-term care and seven family and staff members revealed no negative responses to the device or application. Family members said it was valuable in improving the quality of engagement and made visits more enjoyable. If practical and technical barriers can be overcome, Memory Keeper could become an innovative family engagement tool for dementia management.