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Spotlight : HOMEDEM Work Package 1

Following the introduction of HomeDem in our inaugural newsletter, let's delve deeper into the endeavors of Work Package 1 (WP1) in this second issue.

WP1 Research Directions

The core objective of WP1 are to understand the changes in relationships along the journey of dementia, and develop support strategies for PwD and their constellations living at home.

Research collaborations

Marine (UM, left) is focusing on understanding couple relationships. Rising (LUCA, right) is exploring the potential of design to mediate communication and shared decision-making. Sunny (UVAR, middle) is focusing on understanding unmet social needs. Marine and Sunny are currently collaborating on 2 reviews, titled ‘Qualitative evidence synthesis of the needs that people with dementia and their partners have when it comes to maintaining couplehood in face of dementia' and 'Unmet social needs of community-living older adults with dementia: a scoping review'. Rising is engaging with Huis Perrekes and Woozorgcentrum St. Elisabeth in Hasselt for the prototyping of decision-making tools.

Significance in Dementia Research:

"Recent research underscores the importance of meaningful social interactions for individuals with dementia and their caregivers. As a team, we aim to understand their needs and integrate design principles into care practices. Collaborations between designers and end-users are pivotal in fostering ethical and socially conscious solutions. Three areas that we hope to contribute to are couple relationships, those with migrant backgrounds, and those who may benefit from decision-making aids."

Marine, Rising, and Sunny, Work Package 1

International secondments

Marine is currently undertaking a four-month secondment at Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden, under the guidance of Rikard Wicksell in the Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Psychology Division. The objectives include gaining expertise in single-case experimental design (SCED) methodology, exploring the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to chronic health conditions, and fostering networking opportunities.

Rising commenced her secondment at Huis Perrekes, Geel, Belgium, from June to August 2024. During this period, she aims to evaluate and refine the developed tools while seeking feedback from individuals with dementia regarding their integration and usability.

Sunny is currently undergoing a secondment at LUCA School of Arts, Genk, Belgium, supervised by Andrea Wilkinson and Niels Henriks from March to June 2024. The primary objectives include gaining insights into participatory design research methodologies and exploring various approaches to conducting interviews, which will inform the adaptation of methodologies for his own project.

News Feature

In this issue, we are excited to showcase reflections from the doctoral candidates who participated in Training School 3 in Milan. Click here or scan the QR code to access the featured page on the HOMEDEM official webpage.

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