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Dementia Friendly Technology webinar

Ali Rogan 2024 Headshot
Ali Rogan
DHWG External Affairs Advisor and Founder, Hornsey Consulting

Thank you to the Housing LIN for kindly hosting our third webinar for the Dementia and Housing Working Group (DHWG) on 10 December 2024. The DHWG’s aim is to continue to grow the housing sectors understanding of how smart housing, AI and technology can enable people with dementia live well.

It was a very timely webinar, coinciding with HAPPI Awareness Week (Dec 9–13), which aims to raise awareness of the ten HAPPI principles, and the importance of designing care-ready, age-friendly housing, adaptable for the installation of new and emerging technologies (Principle 4).

How can we enable digital connectivity for all, and then make it easy for more people to be able to use technology.

Ten years ago, who would have imagined you would be able to talk to a smart speaker and add carrots to an online shopping list that is being delivered tomorrow. Yet it is not a level playing field. There is a sharp digital divide in the UK. Connectivity, affordability, digital skills, access to support and security risks are real for many people.

This webinar explored the ways technology can support people living with dementia, along with their loved ones and carers, by addressing both challenges and practical solutions. We were honoured to gather a fantastic group of speakers.

With almost one million people living with dementia in the UK and up to a third of people remaining undiagnosed, our goal is to inspire a positive conversation around the potential of technology to empower and uplift, encouraging confidence and curiosity rather than fear.

What does this mean for people affected by dementia?

In today's digital world, why shouldn’t it be possible for everyone to be able to access a fast, reliable and affordable internet connection? It should be as ubiquitous as fresh water from your tap, and the heat from your radiators.

The Digital Shift

John Livermore, All-IP Industry Engagement Manager, Openreach discussed - Preparing for the Jan 2027 Digital Shift: the latest update for providers, despite a tree taking out his phoneline that morning. He reminded us that 40 year old PSTN equipment will be switched off from January 2027 so it is imperative for providers to:

  • Audit your own telephone estate records
  • Contact device providers to ask how the devices will work when plugged into a router
  • Contact your Communications Provider - ask their advice for your migration
  • If you are a Local Authority, you can use a data sharing agreement to help Communication Providers identify Telecare customers in your area.

We then heard from two individuals living with dementia and their own personal experiences.

Digital inclusion is a human right

Pete Middleton sees great promise in AI but stresses that technologies for people with dementia must be adaptable to their diverse needs. He highlighted the importance of creating a digital world that is inclusive, supportive, and welcoming for those with dementia. He urged keeping things simple - avoiding constant pop-ups - and called for more training and support. One of his favourite bits of kit is his voice recorder and also geotags which are amazing for finding things. Carers also need training to help their loved ones navigate technology. Additionally, he emphasised that the government must prioritise accessible connectivity. Digital inclusion is a human right, and universal access should be a top priority.

Creating an inclusive technology future

Dáithí Clayton talked to us about how technology and AI can both challenge and support LGBTQI people with dementia. As a nonbinary person living with dementia, they know firsthand the complexities faced by our community. Challenges facing LGBTQI people with dementia include social isolation and exclusion, a lack of inclusive dementia care, misgendering and heteronormativity in care settings and barriers to accessing technology. It is important to centre LGBTQI voices in tech development, build trust and reduce bias and promote equity through thoughtful design.

Significant proportion of the UK are digitally excluded

Bryony Evans, Network Growth and Activation Manager, Good Things Foundation (A leading UK digital inclusion charity) took us through the latest figures and how to fix the digital divide. 8.5m people lack basic digital skills and 1 in 3 people over 65 don’t use internet. The GTF work with community organisations that create impact locally and nationally as the National Digital Inclusion Network. Check out their fantastic resources which include free digital skills, device banks and guides.

A digital yellow brick road, helping people navigate with a dementia-friendly interface

Ben Williams, Head of Innovation, Care City shared a presentation about enabling community spaces to become more dementia friendly for people with dementia using Dorothy, an Augmented Reality app. Realising that a lot of tech out there seems to be helping someone else eg alerting care staff of a door sensor activation, this simple piece of kit enables people to find their own way, including simple things like finding the toilet or kitchen through an interface which matched people’s individual needs.

Bourbons are the best biscuit

Alex Barker, Disability Consultant, AbilityNet took us through some interesting AI examples. AbilityNet is a fantastic organisation that supports people of any age, living with any disability or impairment to use technology to achieve their goals. With free resources, 500 volunteers, factsheets and more, Alex has seen first hand how tech can change lives.

DHWG – get involved

Finally, Ruth Eley, the Chair of Tide (Together in Dementia Everyday) and DHWG member reminded everyone that the DHWG is a group of volunteers who fill an important gap in the sector, focusing on dementia and housing. We have produced a dementia hub (opens new window) which is full of up to date information. As a group we meet quarterly with 3 priorities – information, insight and influence, so get involved if you’d like to learn more.

Finally, speakers were asked for their advice to anyone leaving this webinar to improve the understanding and access to dementia friendly technology.

  • Be acolytes, shout from the rooftops to all people with disability, inclusion and dementia and work with us to design and fix the world make it a happier place
  • It is a great opportunity to break through ableism and paternalism. We still have our voices and find create ways to listen and support all our loved ones
  • There are many resources out there, don’t reinvent the wheel
  • Get help early

We need the government to make dementia a priority, to invest specifically in early and accurate diagnosis, dementia care training and technology that can support us.

There are barriers in embracing tech but at the end of the day, it’s got to be right for the individual, personalised to their changing needs and the support has to be available.

Next steps

You can see links to our previous webinars on design and diversity and we look forward to welcoming you to our next one which we are hoping to hold in March on Dementia and Faith:

The webinar also follows hot on the heels of the launch of the independent report by the Older Person’s Housing Taskforce, published 26 Nov - Our Future Homes: Housing that promotes wellbeing and community for an ageing population.

Thank you to all our fantastic speakers and to the Housing LIN for hosting us. If you would like to get involved feel free to get in touch at dementia@housinglin.org.uk.

Useful links

Good Things Foundation

Openreach

Care City

AbilityNet

And for more about designing for dementia, check out the Housing LIN’s dedicated page on dementia-friendly design.

The Housing LIN is proud to host the Dementia and Housing Working Group.

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