Being able to tell your family you love them, order a meal at a cafe, and talk to friends are all things most people take for granted— but for people living with dementia, communication difficulties can lead to isolation.
Researchers from The University of Queensland and Bond University are setting out to find ways to bridge the communication gap using new technologies.
UQ’s Professor Janet Wiles is leading the community research Florence Project, which is supported by the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Dynamics of Language.
“Researchers from diverse disciplines, including engineers, technology experts, speech pathologists and occupational therapists, are involved,” she said.
“But no one knows the ins and outs of living with dementia better than those with the condition and those who care for them, so we are seeking volunteers.
“We think it is extremely important to embed the perspectives of people who live with dementia in this project from the beginning, and we want to be guided by them and their families and friends,” Professor Wiles said.
