EachStep Blackley Hosts Leading Dementia Academics

EachStep Blackley, our specialist dementia care service in Manchester, hosted leading academics for a practical research session that reviewed the potential benefits of internet use for people living with dementia.

Professor Sugata Mitra from Newcastle University gave a presentation at the home exploring new methods of learning and engagement using the internet, and the potential cognitive and wellbeing benefits that this may have for people living with dementia.

Professor Mitra, along with other leading academics from Manchester University, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust and Loughborough University, held a practical research session for people with dementia and their families to see how computers can play a role in improving care. Participants worked together in small groups to access the internet, with the task of researching online how text messages are sent and received. The research could potentially help develop new technologies for dementia care.

EachStep Blackley is an award winning specialist dementia care home, and participated in the project as a national member of the NHS Care Home Research Programme, Enabling Research in Care Homes (ENRICH). This has seen us commit to supporting research that aims to improve quality of life, support and care of people who live with dementia and age-related conditions.

Julie York, our Clinical Governance Manager, said: “Digital platforms offer great opportunities for connecting with people, enjoying stimulating activities and having fun, so have many applications within care services. We were very keen to support this research, because understanding how the internet can help people who live with dementia is vital. We are committed to building on this day by supporting further supporting research by the NHS ENRICH network”

Click here to find out more about the ENRICH visit