The quality of life of the dementia patients’ carers
“She does not recognize me; she does not remember that I am her daughter…”
According to expert Neurologists and Psychiatrists, the psychological, practical and financial burden on dementia patients’ caregivers is heavy. In Greece, the 89% of patients with the Alzheimer’s disease are cared in their home and the 77% of informal carers are women (Iatronet, 2013; http://www.iatronet.gr/article.asp?art_id=21170 , February 2013). The care requirements of the dementia patients usually effect on the caregivers’ health restricting their private time and reducing their social and work activities. Caregivers usually experience negative emotions, while it is obvious that their quality of life depends on their mental and physical health.
The role of game activities for the physical and mental training of Elderly People and their Cares was presented by AUTH in the 5th Pan-Hellenic Conference on BioMedical Engineering in Athens. Apart from the improvement of healthcare and promotion of independent living and active ageing, the study was focused on the valuable, measurable everyday results for both elderly people and their carers. In particular, game scenarios are treated as cases, in which carers are faced with different options; based on the outcomes of their choices the interaction develops further. The above was presented focusing on the three main goals of DISCOVER project:
- increasing digital competences and engagement of social inclusion actors (carers);
- increasing the use of ICT solutions for delivering social support and care;
- raising the profile of social inclusion work