Keeping Connected Using modern technology to enhance involvement of the Scottish Dementia Working Group

Pat McGonigal I have been a member of the Scottish Dementia Working Group since it started in 2001 The type of dementia that I have is called Korsakoffs I am a keen swimmer and painter The iPad classes have showed me that computers can be fun! @patjmcgonigal

Scottish Dementia Working Group We are a national campaigning group run by people with dementia and are the independent voice of people with dementia within Alzheimer Scotland We campaign to improve services for people with dementia We identified technology as one of our priorities Technology is also a priority of the National Dementia Strategy

How the iPad training started We successfully applied for funding to purchase iPads for a one year pilot project Initial training involved peer support and one-to-one tuition, provided by a SDWG volunteer We then hired an IT training company to deliver a 6 week course, with participants receiving a certificate at the end

The next step… After the success of the first training course, further training was secured for the group, with those who completed the first course given the chance to complete a more advanced course The second course ran for 10 weeks in summer 2016

The Class of 2016

Challenges Some members initially had some difficulty operating the iPads Some members worked better with one-to-one tuition but some preferred learning as a group Some also found it difficult to remember everything they had learned in the class

Overcoming the challenges Some members dropped out or decided to try a tablet computer instead We tailored the training to the members with group work followed by one to one tuition The classes are now accompanied by handouts

Enjoying the class!

The outcomes Many of the original group can now use email, browse the Internet and use Twitter All our committee are now on email which helps decision making and involvement They can Skype or FaceTime into meetings, allowing them to take part when unable to travel.

What they said “The iPad classes have made a big difference to me. I am more confident with technology and have learned a lot in a short time” Henry Rankin @henryrankin52

Inspiring others Other members who could not attend the classes in Glasgow were still inspired to learn Nancy McAdam attended an iPad class in Fortrose and learnt to email, Tweet and take ‘selfies’! She now uses her iPad to keep in touch with family and friends @nancyhmcadam

Going forward A new six month block of iPad classes started in September 2016 We are making use of some technologies and ideas specifically designed for enhancing lives of people with dementia such as the MindMate app We are making up ‘Playlists for Life’. This is a collection of music that has special meaning for us. Personally, I am a big fan of the Rolling Stones!

Our commitment Both the SDWG and Alzheimer Scotland are committed to helping members use technology to stay connected We want to give people with dementia the opportunities to engage with campaigning, research, policy and influencing change

Keep in touch with us: Twitter: @SDWG Email: sdwg@alzsoct.org Website: www.sdwg.org.uk