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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. The Class of 2016

7. 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

8. 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

9. Enjoying the class!

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

11. 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

12. 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 , Tweet and take ‘selfies’!
She now uses her iPad to keep in touch with family and friends
@nancyhmcadam

13. 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!

14. 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

15. Keep in touch with us: Twitter: @SDWG
Website: