Real stories

Improving assistive products thanks to people living with dementia

In 2015, we took specially designed mealtime products to a day centre in Surrey for our very first consumer panel. This was followed by a group in Sussex looking at dementia-friendly clocks.

Since then, we’ve visited south Wales, south London, Stockport and many places between. People have tested all kinds of devices, from garden tools to robotic pets. Even during the pandemic, we continued to send out products for people to try at home, feeding back about them on video calls.

Consumer panels have only been possible with the support and enthusiasm of group members and facilitators – thank you to everyone who has taken part!

Honest opinions about dementia products

It was Jon Wingrave, our Commercial Trading Manager, who thought of featuring consumer panels in the magazine. He says they’ve been of ‘incredible benefit’ for our online shop and assistive products catalogue.

‘Meeting people who were happy to share their experience and expertise for the benefit of others, and hearing their insightful and honest opinions, has been a great joy and inspiration for me and my team,’ says Jon.

The feedback has helped us in our decision-making process and improved the range and quality of what we offer. 

‘The information and reviews have helped customers to decide which products will be of most benefit to them.’

Better products for people affected by dementia

Jon underlines how enjoyable and fulfilling it is to work with panel members.

‘We’ve learned so much and had a lot of fun doing it! It has been, and will continue to be, very important for us to be able to say that the assistive products we sell have been tested and evaluated by people living with dementia.’

Oli Story is Non-executive Director at one of our suppliers, Ravencourt. He says, ‘It’s one of the most rewarding parts of my job! There has honestly never been a dull moment.’

Jodi Sanders, Ravencourt’s Managing Director, says, ‘Feedback from panels has helped refine products like the Rosebud Reminder Clock and Safer Walking GPS Locator.

We get first-hand insight into how people interact with the products. Being a small agile business, we can make tangible changes very quickly that improve our products immeasurably, helping people to live more independent lives.

Oli adds, ‘We’ve also taken prototypes of new products to the panels, and the feedback has led to big user experience improvements.’

Favourite dementia products from recent panels

So, which products most impressed panel members in the past 12 months?

A year ago, we took the latest mealtime products to Norwich’s Dementia Voice local group. As well as lightweight Rosa trays and mugs, group members loved Pashmina Style and Cross Scarf Clothes Protectors. 

‘You could take one to use at a restaurant,’ said Jan – ‘… and not feel embarrassed,’ added Carol.

Next, groups at Peterborough’s Dementia Resource Centre tried the Idem smart clock. 

People with dementia appreciated the feeling of connection it gave, since nominated relatives or friends could access it through a mobile app. Carers felt reassured by being able to tell whether reminders and messages had been seen.

The New Ones on the Block, in Ferring on the south coast, liked many of our gift ideas but Cognitive Books were clear favourites. 

A third beautifully illustrated book on classic Coronation Street had just joined titles about The Beatles and 1966 World Cup, all with quizzes and audio versions.

The Dementia Voice local group in Hereford fed back about nighttime and morning devices. They most valued motion sensor lights – the Plug-in sensor light and ‘Get up in the night’ sensor light. 

In particular, they noted how all products need to be chosen with the individual’s needs in mind.

Worthing Town Cryers looked at engaging and calming activity products. They most enjoyed the Curiosity Box, with its intriguing collection of objects to explore and use. 

Along with the Fufuly calming breathing cushion and Fiddle book, Jean said, ‘It’s nice to know what’s there for further down the line.’

Last issue, Solihull’s Dementia Voice local group tested two simple mobile phones. They highlighted that all devices depend on a person’s familiarity with how to use them – or ability to learn. 

However, the Chatsie smartphone and Doro Leva X10 mobile piqued the interest of many of the panel’s members.

Future insights about dementia products

Jon’s team is developing even more ways to benefit from people’s insights.

‘We intend to continue organising consumer panels with people affected by dementia but are also exploring other approaches.

‘We are looking into creating a Product Review Group of people living with dementia to test products at home and submit reviews that we could feature online. Michael Booth, who is living with young-onset dementia, is already testing products and writing reviews for our shop.’