Socially Connected SmartCare at home: Enhancing independent living for people living with dementia through low-cost technology

Rationale: The proposed research addresses a critical gap in supporting People Living with Dementia (PLWD) by exploring mainstream smart-home technologies' potential to enhance independent living and social connectedness. Current approaches to the use of technology in social care have failed to meet the complex, personal needs of diverse PLWD, particularly regarding social connectedness. The existing care technology landscape is fragmented, with funding models creating barriers rather than solutions. Specialised assistive devices often stigmatise users while failing to address everyday experiences and connectedness wishes. This project introduces a person-centred approach focusing on mainstream, readily-available smart home technologies (e.g., doorbells, smart-bulbs, voice assistants) that integrate seamlessly into daily life. The research recognises that technology adoption is a subjective negotiation process rather than a standardised intervention and prioritises user agency, personal preferences, and diverse experiences. The core innovation lies in shifting perspective from complex, specialised systems to accessible, non-stigmatising and low-cost technologies that individuals can easily adopt and personalise. This approach promises to reduce social isolation, enhance independent living, and respect PLWD's dignity and autonomy. Aims: The overall aim is to explore with PLWD and carers the potential of smart-home technologies to create pathways for enhanced social connection and find strategies to successfully implement affordable technological solutions in diverse PLWD home environments. These strategies will nurture social connectedness while addressing practical safety concerns via monitoring tools, supporting both physical and emotional wellbeing. Methods: This study uses qualitative and co-production methods involving diverse PLWD, carers, and professionals across five interconnected work packages. The research will investigate existing smart-home technologies through conducting a literature review, interviews and co-design workshops followed by a feasibility study where participants select and use smart-home technologies for a three-month period. It will generate data through field notes from observations and workshops, interviews, and creative productions. Throughout the process, the team will prioritise inclusivity, capturing varied experiences across diverse PLWD. Key outputs include creative resources, practical guidance for PLWD, carers, and professionals, alongside policy recommendations for technology-enabled social care support. Pathway to impact: The project's impact pathway addresses four key social care objectives. 1) Minimising the erosion of social connectedness of diverse PLWD while promoting independent living with smart-home technologies; 2) supporting PLWD to choose technologies that meet their needs; 3) informing care services about technology implementation, and 4) raising awareness of PLWD's diverse needs. Through a work package devoted to public involvement with PLWD, the research will co-produce multimodal resources (short videos, comics, technology adoption guidelines, and booklets) addressed to multiple stakeholders. The project includes targeted dissemination strategies for non-academic audiences, including PLWD, care services policymakers and the public. Partnerships with organisations like Alzheimer's Society, Dementia UK, and Social Care Wales will facilitate knowledge transfer, ensuring a person-centred approach prioritising autonomy, dignity, and active participation. Ultimately, the research follows the aim of reconceptualising technological support, by moving beyond traditional assistive technology paradigms to create more inclusive, person-centred solutions that truly respond to diverse people with dementia's unique needs.