Relationship-centred care
The dementia care triangle includes: i) The person suffering from dementia, ii) the family care-giver, and iii) the paid care giver. Finerday.com can enhance communication and sharing across the triangle, but further, it can engage other family members and friends who can play a key secondary role in relationship-centred care.
The role of technology in reminiscence therapy
It has been known for some time that people with dementia respond well to material presented via a computer, especially where response is through a touch-screen (FinerDay) (Carr et al., 1986) and this has been utilised in cognitive programmes (e.g., Hofman et al., 1996).
The flexibility of ICT or computerised reminiscence therapy could result in improvements to traditional practice, being less demanding on staff or carer resources, and providing a more user-friendly interface than e.g., the traditional photograph album (Yasuda et al., 2009) including recollecting and reinforcing memory via multimedia family histories (Cohene et al. 2004) (FinerDay.com).
The main achievement to date has been to demonstrate the feasibility of prototypes of ICT based reminiscence work, by showing their acceptability with participants with dementia, family members and staff (FinerDay).
Where dementia is more advanced, family members have been more prominent in selecting personalised materials (Damianakis et al., 2009), and in some cases it has been left to the family to involve the person with dementia (e.g., Sarne-Fleischmann and Tractinsky, 2008) (FinerDay).
The potential effects on family members in being involved in producing the biography is described by Damianakis et al. (2009) and Cohene et al. (2005), for example, Effects on care staff are also reported, in terms of enhanced communication and better relationships with the person with dementia (e.g., Sarne-Fleischmann and Tractinsky, 2008) (FinerDay.com).
Finerday.com is the ideal platform to support both (i) specific reminiscence therapy and (ii) social reminiscence work – and maintaining the sense of closeness with loved ones (Damianakis et al., 2009).
Reminiscence Therapy and Life Stories
Although pharmacological treatments have received most attention, there is increasing evidence that psychological interventions may be equally effective. One of the psychological interventions widely used in practice is ‘reminiscence therapy’ or ‘reminiscence work’. Reminiscence work involves the discussion of past activities, personally significant people, events and experiences, usually with the aid of tangible prompts (for example photographs, memories and music (Finerday)).
Trials have identified significant improvements in cognition and mood for four to six weeks after treatment, and reductions in stress for caregivers.
Life Stories are a formalised way of recording key life experiences in pictures and text (Finerday), providing benefits for the person with dementia, carers and family. Haight et al. (2003) reported that the mood of a person with dementia (as rated by the caregiver) was significantly improved for those participating actively in life review. Caregivers participating in the life review, alone with the person with dementia, reported significantly reduced burden and fewer behavioural problems in the person with dementia.
Parker (1995) argues that in order for the person to maintain a sense of continuity the person needs to be able to recall what has come before and a life story book for the person with deteriorating memory may provide them with a tangible reminder of their lives and personal history. McKeown et al. (2006) stated there are some potential far-reaching benefits for life story work.
Finerday.com already provides for the writing and sharing of three types of memory structures – a formalized “life story book” can be added.
Go ON Adopt (Finerday.com) wins the Internet Service Providers Association Awards 2011
Go ON Adopt wins the UK ISPA Awards 2011 for Digital Inclusion.
The Race Online 2012 judges felt that Go On Adopt a Care Home were the worthy winners as it is a great example of community collaboration to help get the most difficult to reach people online for the first time with a sustainable model. The judges further felt that it helps to develop intergenerational relationships, reduce isolation for older people and improve their quality of life through the internet.
40,000 Older People in Care are “Isolated”
Up to 40,000 older people living in care in England are at risk of social isolation according to the national charity The Relatives & Residents Association (R&RA). These stark findings were the result of a two year government funded research project.
Chief Executive Judy Downey said “We’re saddened and shocked at these revelations; it’s unacceptable to find that so many older people are leading such lonely lives.”
“We all know that it’s the people that surround us who are important; a phone call, a visit filled with laughter, a chance to chat about the things that matter and it’s tragic to think of older people in care without any of these things in their lives.”
Working in the care home sector, I personally witnessed the dwindling number of letters and photos that my residents received. They would come down to pick up the post in the morning only to find bills and circulars. I think we all have to ask ourselves when was the last time we wrote a letter to a loved one, or took our recent photos around to chat over a cup of tea with them.
The world has been moving online. The internet has taken over from letters, the computer is where we keep our photographs. Isolation not only happens in care homes but also at home. The internet can provide us with a fantastic opportunity to increase the interaction with our parents and grandparents, to engage the whole family socially, especially the younger grandchildren.
Grandma, who lives in Ireland, can now see photos of her new great granddaughter a couple of hours after her birth in London. I have seen this and the tears of joy that this brings.
There should be few excuses. We can and must use technology as a platform or bridge to bring families and friends together, no matter what their ages.
Ageing well in the Information Society – the ICT barriers
Our population is ageing. The number of people in Europe aged over 80 year old will double by 2050. The strain that this will put on governments and social services will be immense.
The Commission of the European Communities, in an i2010 Initiative, has stated:
“ICT can help the older individuals to improve quality of life, stay healthier and live independently for longer. Innovative solutions are emerging to help counteract problems related to memory, vision, hearing, and mobility, which are more prevalent with age. ICT also enables older persons to remain active at work or in their community. Their accumulated experience and skills is a great asset, especially in the knowledge society.”
The EC sets out three areas that need to be address: the workplace, the community and ageing at home. The community and home needs are obvious:
Community – Social Participation: The EC identifies the need to reduce social isolation and improve quality of life through social networking.
At Home – Independent Living: Through ICT, maintain a high degree of independence, autonomy and dignity to achieve a higher quality of life at home for longer.
The Commission identifies access, accessibility and user-friendliness of devices and services as prerequisites for e-inclusion for older people. Mainstream ICT products and services rarely meet the needs of the older population. Current solutions are beyond the abilities of most final users, leaving older people at risk of missing out on the benefits of being online.
The barriers to access are:
- Insufficient motivation
- Financial means
- Digital competencies
- Convenient training
I totally concur with these barriers and believe that motivation is a major and often ignored factor. I have referred to this in my previous article – Is training the (only) key to getting older people online? Older people, just like us, want reasons and rewards to engage online. They, like us, want instant gratification for switching on a computer or device. Further, the motivation must not only be sufficient, but it must also be sustainable. We need to offer obvious reasons to engage today, tomorrow, next week, and beyond. I replace the word “fear” with “motivation” in this latest update on the model. But motivation must be sustainable.
Finerday.com on the ITV News
Finerday was recently featured on UK ITV News. The video shows a grandmother and her grandson using finerday.com to share messages and photos.
Digital Britain - My request of the parties regarding the Digital Divide
All three major political Parties have broadly presented their Technology Plans. Again it is the future realities that worry me for most of us. Their statements include:
Labour
“Investing now so we are the best placed to take advantage of the upturn."
Conservatives
Want to make Britain "the most technology-friendly country in the world".
Liberal Democrats have yet to lay out their technology policy in as much detail as the other main parties, but have been very active in the development of the Controversial Digital Economy Bill.
The Conservatives prefer opening up competition between broadband suppliers and BT whilst Labour appear to advocate a tax on telephone lines to roll out faster broadband.
My request to whoever wins is to help bridge the digital divide. Firstly, lack of engagement is a complex matter. It involves lack of understanding and fear in many cases. Going online can also be seen as “too difficult”. The problem again is perpetuated by technology companies and experts failing to appreciate that people like me are simply normal.
In my work to understand broadband offerings I faced a mountain of prices, unrealistic claims, bundled packages and technical jargon. My first reaction was to give in, but having tasted the forbidden fruit I was forced to work through the technology jungle.
Secondly, I don’t believe anyone anymore (and I am not referring to the politicians here). I live just outside of a major city and can’t even get a 2Mb line, yet most of the broadband companies are offering me speeds up to 20Mbs. This is misleading at best, but dishonest in my eyes.
Please just make broadband easier and more reliable first, then worry about making it faster.
Is training the (only) key to getting older people online?
A recent article stated:
“Older people need training and education to help them get online.
By demystifying online technology and demonstrating the benefits of using computers, it is possible to get more people of pension age involved with digital life.”
Whilst I very much agree with the statement that we should demystify technology (for people of all ages), I believe many older people need a different approach.
I justify myself by saying “many” people, I am not saying “all” people. Many older people, like many younger people, enjoy instant gratification. Even I do not want to read instructions, let alone go to a classes or training, I want it all now, I want it to be simple, and I want it to be meaningful and instantly rewarding.
My mother, at 79 years old, went to computer training which she enjoyed. However when she returned home, she found there was very little that kept her interest, let alone practicing. Within weeks Mum was struggling to remember her newly learnt skills.
Why not change the dynamics! Give Mum her rewards at the touch of a couple of buttons. Give her a very simple system where she can see family photos, share messages, talk and even use live video with her closest friends. Share family website links, watch i-player with ease. Grab her interest immediately whilst removing her fears.
These are the basics, dare I say, exciting things that Mum was missing out on. These are the things that will keep her coming back and using her computer.
Only once you establish and give Mum a reason to use the computer from the beginning, then you can start “training” her in shopping or even documents and spreadsheets.
Race Online 2012 article on Finerday.com and the UK IT Industry Awards
http://raceonline2012.wordpress.com/2010/09/07/digital-inclusion-award-finalists-finerday-com/
“The UK IT Industry have announced the finalists for their 2010 awards and we’re very much looking forward to what is sure to be the highlight of the evening, the Race Online 2012 Digital Inclusion Award.
In the interests of impartiality, we’ll be taking a closer look at each project over the next few weeks in the lead up to judging day on 1st October. First up, Finerday.com.”
Older people are “increasingly isolated due to internet”. Why don’t older people use the Internet? To find the answer we must first understand the question?
A recent major survey by the Oxford Internet Institute found:
- Only half of over 50’s have access to the internet.
- Not being on-line will lead to exclusion from telecare, entertainment, online socialising and shopping.
- Growing isolation.
According to the Oxford Internet Institute (OII), at Oxford University, many elderly people resist technology through fear of pornography or the lack of security associated with the web. Professor Bill Dutton states “Getting older people to experience the internet, when they distrust it, is central to the challenge”. Older people are very concerned about SPAM, viruses and unpleasant experiences.
The survey also found that lower incomes of pensioners meant they could not afford a computer.
Of the 2,013 people surveyed, 47.1 per cent of the over-50s said they had never used the internet, compared with 9.6 per cent of 25- to 49-year-olds. Interestingly, but not surprisingly, even those older people who do use the internet only use basic features such as email.
In my experience of working with older people there is another “fear”, that is the fear that a computer and the internet is just “too difficult”. These are basic fears that many of us share. I don’t know how to use the video recorder, and leave it to my children. I also fear many sites on the internet, in fact I shut my computer down recently when a new Microsoft update automatically started. I had no idea whether if was safe or not ...
So what should we learn from this?
Key is the simple, yet complex, question of “cost v benefit”. Does an older person see and/or understand the advantages of going online? AND does this outweigh the fears, mistrust, financial cost, and need to learn a new skill?
Your Life Choices - "It's not just about seniors"
So if you feel Facebook, Myspace and Twitter have passed you by but want a simplified solution for keeping in touch with family and friends, .........., then head to www.finerday.com and create yourself a profile.
http://www.yourlifechoices.com.au/index.php/articles/category/finer_day/
Finerday.com has been designed to look as cool to a ten year old as it is easy and intuitive to use for a ninety five year old.
“Grandparents get greater rights” – but what exactly will this mean?
t is wonderful and greatly overdue news to hear that both leading Parties are advocating a positive change for Grandparents Rights. But when I look at the few details that are available, I am still concerned with what will actually change for grandparents.
Removing the barrier of grandparents having to seek leave from the Courts before applying for contact with their grandchildren is a significant move forward.
Mr Balls, Children’s Secretary, refers to the informal care arrangements that grandparents provide. The Tories talk about “mending Britain’s broken society”. The practical issue is that, in a caring society, we cannot allow our children to lose contact with their grandparents. It is not about the costs of caring or tax breaks ....
The Grandparents Association, Families Need Fathers and the Family Matters Institute with the support of Gloria Hunniford highlighted the real issues in their Report: “Including the Wider Family” – following the separation of parents:
67% of grandparents found themselves excluded from providing care
42% lost all face-to-face contact with their grandchildren
80% of children experienced a change in childcare arrangements
These statistics cannot be allowed. The full report can be found at http://www.fnf.org.uk/downloads/Including_the_Wider_Family.pdf
My question is, even with this legal change, how will the Court take account of grandparents rights in a practical way. When child contact actions reach the Courts it is because the parents cannot agree and in most cases matters have already turned rather hostile. How will grandparents be considered? If they are allocated contact periods, will that be carved out of the father’s contact time or the mother’s? Will overnight stays be considered? What about holidays? We will have to wait for the answers to these already difficult questions.
The Government, the Courts and the parents will have to consider a variety of ways for grandchildren and grandparents can keep connected. This will include the internet.
My partner’s mother is 85 years old. She is an active Chairperson for a branch of the NSPCC, but she is not allowed to see her two grandchildren. The NSPCC allows her to be involved with children, but she can’t see her “own”. This is the real World. How can this be? Even a photo or a message would be groundbreaking for her.
She does not want leaflets or websites to talk to other grandparents. She simply wants to connect with her grandchildren.
Microsoft and Intel are supporting trials at www.finerday.com, for safe, easy to use, ways to connect online.
Finerday presents to the ASCCA at Australia Seniors Week 2010
The Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association kindly invited Mobilelite to present Finerday.com at their Seniors Week Seminar on Social Networking in Sydney.
"Howard showed us how far this project has already progressed and gave us "sneak previews" of some of the refinements to come to make this program one that will have great appeal and ease of use for seniors and families."
www.ascca.org.au/Newsletters/Apr10/ASCCANewsletter12_3.pdf
The facts about UK children on line
Parents usually want to introduce their children to the internet for learning and education purposes, although there is also an increasing need for people to be connected in families where both parents do not live with the children.
Research by Sonia Livingstone of London School of Economics (www.children-go-online.net) highlights:
- Nearly all children and young people (98%) have used the internet.
- 75% of 9-19 year olds have accessed the internet from a computer at home.
- School access is near universal at 92%.
- 36% of families have more than one computer at home.
- 24% live in a household with broadband access.
- 19% have access in their own bedroom.
Unfortunately access to the internet is greatly influenced by socioeconomics and our children’s risk of seeing undesirable content. The reasons that we want our children to go online are education, communication and entertainment. There is a balance to be maintained:
Older people 'missing out' online, but how many?
The UK Government will miss its commitment.
In a report in July 2006, just 28% of people over the age of 65 had home internet access. The findings were part of a wider survey by a consumer panel at telecoms regulator Ofcom looking at the online access of marginalised groups.
Following this report, the UK government signed up to an EU agreement to halve the gap in internet use for groups at risk of exclusion, such as older people, by 2010. Of particular concern is that more government services, including benefits, are being offered online and without training to access them, many older people will miss out.
According to the Office of National Statistics‚ 2008, 70% of people over 65 have never used the internet.
Use of the internet also decreases with age‚ with 50% of people aged 50-59 using the internet‚ decreasing to 26% for 60 - 69-year-olds‚ 11% for 70 - 79-year-olds‚ and just 2% for people aged over 80.
In March 2009, this year, only 1 in 6 older people embrace social networking.
Only one in six people aged 55+ have used a social networking service like Facebook‚ Skype‚ Twitter or Youtube says a poll commissioned by Age Concern. The ICM Survey polled 1076 people aged 55+ from February 27th to March 9 2009. For people aged 65+ the figures were 10% for Youtube‚ 11% for Skype‚ 7% for Facebook and 1% for Twitter.
However, using the different age range of 50+, a recent report in September 2009 by Just Retirement revealed that 65 per cent were using the internet regularly to buy products.
Although I sincerely hoped there would be an improvement, and that the Government will have halved the 2006 figures of internet excluded citizens over 65 year old by 2010, new research by the Office for National Statistics reveals that more than 64% of people over 65 have never used the internet. August 28th 2009.
It looks like the UK Government will significantly miss it's commitment.
"The UK Government has just committed to halve the gap in internet usage by 2010 for groups at risk of exclusion such as older people" Ofcom Consumer Panel 5 July 2006
Finerday supports separated families
Finerday is a free web service designed to help families keep in touch ... Finerday are also keen to get feedback from FNF members and their ...