ITfD
Design and development of e-sensory and smart textiles as well as objects containing textiles for environments for people living with Alzheimer’s and related diseases.
This project is the result of a knowledge exchange initiative of the Saltire Emerging Researcher Program, which allows Minetou Lοuκia, a doctoral researcher at the University of Stirling, to be transferred to the University of West Attica and work with us to explore the use of smart and e- sensory textiles in nursing homes for people living with Alzheimer’s and related diseases.
Background of the Research Project
The environment of the care home is one of the crucial elements for the quality of life of the residents, especially for people living with dementia (Alzheimer’s Society, 2013, World’s Alzheimer Report 2021) whose cognitive deficits cause difficulties in navigating the environment and accessing opportunities for social interaction. Many older people, after a long period of institutionalisation, feel lonely, socially isolated and bored.
The potential of a nursing home as a therapeutic resource is increasingly recognized through research on the impact of design and other environmental features and practices that support independence, enhance self esteem and quality of life.
Our Purpose
This research project examines how e-sensory textiles and spatial objects incorporating interactive textiles can be incorporated into care homes for people with Alzheimer’s and other related diseases, to create sources of interest to enhance pleasure, aid communication and improve the environment as a therapeutic resource.
We work in partnership with people with dementia and dedicated care homes to design and produce spatial objects with e-sensory textiles. Together we are looking at creating sources of engagement in order to support people with dementia, enhance their self-esteem, facilitate communication and improve quality of life for both residents of care homes and staff members.
Image Gallery of e-Sensory Textiles for Dementia
