Lene Bjerregaard
University College Zealand, Denmark
Title: Dementia and innovative technologies in residential homes / DEMANTEC –improving quality of life for people suffering from dementia. A cross-border (DK-DE) educational approach combined with use of innovative technologies
Biography
Biography: Lene Bjerregaard
Abstract
Background: Demographic change, and the increasing number of people in need of help and care are a challenge in the society. Dementia is one of the most common mental illnesses, and not curable. In Germany there are an estimated 1.5 million cases, in Denmark more than 85,000 people suffer from dementia. The prevailing lack of skilled specialists in nursing and care impacts the quality of care being provided and the quality of life of those affected
Aim: The aim of the study is to improve the quality of life for people suffering from dementia and who are residents in nursing care facilities. The project’s overall objective is to establish welfare and health technologies to support people suffering from dementia in maintaining their daily routines.
Methods: Based on cross-border analysis of existing practices, on potential and assumed benefits, and on experiences from three pilot studies, best practice approaches will be developed from the processes of adjusting and further developing innovative technologies targeted residents with dementia. These new approaches will then be applied in the area of further training and result in the establishment of a further training certificate.
Results: The added value will be application of new technologies adjusted, adapted and further developed, based on the users’ needs, routines and processes; and qualified by specialist trained staff in dementia care.
The project is a part of the EU's INTERREG 5a Programme, and the design include educational as well as Medical Technology Assessment elements. Collaborating partners include private companies aiming to enter new welfare-technological solutions into market.
Partners: University College Sealand(UCSJ), Flensburg University of Applies Sciences (IEMG)(Lead partner), Health Innovation Center Southern Denmark (Colab), Municipality of Aabenraa, “Rise Plejecenter”, Anygroup, LifePartners, Welfare Tech, GesundheitsregionNord, DIAKO-SozialeEinrichtungenGmbH, Pflegenheim “UnterdemRegenbogen” Delta PlegebetriebGmbH.