Memory Matters: A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study of a Mobile Aid to Stimulate Reminiscence in Individuals With Memory Loss

Abstract

Reminiscence interventions are potentially effective in improving well-being of persons with memory loss (PWMLs) and may also enhance relationships with family and professional caregivers. Using a parallel convergent mixed-methods design, the feasibility of “Memory Matters” (MM), a mobile device application developed to promote reminiscence, was evaluated. Eighteen PWMLs and eight family members were enrolled from a long-term care facility and asked to use MM for 4 weeks. Participants were observed using MM at enrollment and 2 weeks and completed 1-month interviews. Six staff participants also completed a system review checklist and/or focus group at 1 month. Three qualitative domains were identified: (a) context of use, (b) barriers to use, and (c) MM influences on outcomes. Participants reported real-time social engagement, ease of use, and other benefits. However, PWMLs were unlikely to overcome barriers without assistance. Empirical data indicated that family and staff perceived MM favorably. Participants agreed that MM could provide stimulating, reminiscence-based activity.

Using Mobile Technology to Provide Personalized Reminiscence for People Living With Dementia and Their Carers: Appraisal of Outcomes From a Quasi-Experimental Study

“…Although limited by the small sample sizes of some of the studies, the authors concluded that there were benefits to using information and communication technology (ICT) for reminiscence interventions. These benefits include access to rich and engaging multimedia reminiscence materials [ 13 , 14 ], opportunities for people living with dementia to participate in social interactions and take ownership of conversations [ 15 , 16 ], and a reduction in motor deficit-related barriers when interacting with media [ 16 , 17 ]. In the abovementioned review [ 12 ], 10 reviewed papers reported on the use of “reminiscence kits” that featured a technological component.…”

Review of AAC interventions in persons with dementia

“…Six studies focused on reminiscence‐based activities with multimedia content by using mobile technology with interactive games, Memory Matters (Hamel et al . ) or Computer Interactive Reminiscence and Conversation Aid (CIRCA) for conversation and engagement with persons with DAT (Alm et al . , Astell et al .…”

“…, Hamel et al . ). An Involvement Measure (Murphy and Oliver ) and decisional capacity questionnaire (Chang ) were developed to measure decision‐making skills in interactions by adapting questions from other tools.…”

“…, Davis and Shenk , Hamel et al . , Purves et al . ), three studies on unaided AAC systems (Ellis and Astell , Hydén , Kindell et al .…”

Person-Centered Technology for Older Adults

“…This is an exciting time of technology innovation that shows no signs of slowing. Wearable camera systems for family caregivers of individuals with dementia (Matthews et al, 2016), mobile apps to promote reminiscence (Hamel, Sims, Klassen, Havey, & Gaugler, 2016), and information visualization to improve engagement in the advance directives process (Woollen & Bakken, 2016) are some of the recent examples highlighted in the Journal of Gerontological Nursing. There are so many opportunities for nurses to make a positive impact on the lives of older adults and their families through technology.…”