The Caregiver's App
Team H7: Violet Randle-Bragg, Amelia Glaab, and Hridi Paul
Executive Summary
Group Members
Healthy and Safe Cities Team H7
Mission Statement
"Our team is passionate about making a meaningful impact in our community. We are comprised of a multi-disciplinary team that has a common vision to improve health and wellbeing options within Hamilton. Our goal is to learn, embrace new perspectives, and drive innovative solutions."
Our How Might We Question
How might we build Dementia-friendly living spaces or communities for the aging population in Hamilton?
Human Centered Design
Primary Stakeholder
Stakeholders #2 and #3
Additional Stakeholder to Consider
Our Research Findings
SDG Alignment
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Targets:
9.1 - Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure, including regional and transborder infrastructure, to support economic development and human well-being, with a focus on affordable and equitable access for all.
9.5 - Enhance scientific research, upgrade the technological capabilities of industrial sectors in all countries, in particular developing countries, including, by 2030, encouraging innovation and substantially increasing the number of research and development workers per 1 million people and public and private research and development spending.
Rationale: SDG 9 emphasizes the importance of developing infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. For dementia-friendly living spaces in Hamilton, this goal aligns as it promotes innovation in the design and construction of these spaces, facilitating accessibility and ensuring the use of technology to enhance the quality of life for people with dementia.
SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
Targets:
10.2 - By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion or economic or other status.
10.3 -Ensure equal opportunity and reduce inequalities of outcome, including by eliminating discriminatory laws, policies and practices and promoting appropriate legislation, policies and action in this regard.
Rationale: A focus on dementia-friendly spaces contributes to reducing inequalities in older adults' access to safe and supportive living environments. Inclusive spaces help promote equal opportunities for all, regardless of cognitive or physical abilities. In the context of dementia-friendly communities in Hamilton, this goal is important as it ensures that all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic status, receive equal access to these supportive living spaces.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Targets:
11.2 - By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons.
11.7 - By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive and accessible, green and public spaces, in particular for women and children, older persons and persons with disabilities.
Rationale: Creating dementia-friendly living spaces within communities aligns with this goal as it emphasizes the importance of sustainable urban development. Dementia-friendly communities foster social inclusion, safety, and accessibility for all residents.
Research and Findings
We wanted to begin by researching already developed projects that have been successful so we can incorporate those aspects into our final design. It is also important to understand what hasn't been working, and so we looked at criticisms from dementia patients. Our team thought it was important to recognize the cultural differences between patients. Dementia affects everyone differently and so by looking at a diverse range of patients, we can better understand the disease and work to create a solution that adheres to all types of people.
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Revised Questions After Speaking to the Community
Our Timeline
Original How Might We Question
How might we design Dementia-friendly living spaces or communities for the aging population of Hamilton?
Brainstorming
This original question was too broad, and we wanted to narrow our focus to de-stigmatization of the public while understanding and prioritizing cultural and linguistic barriers through a "person-centered care" approach.
Our Revised How Might We Question
How might we expand the knowledge of unpaid caregivers and public workers to create living spaces and communities in Hamilton where person-centered care and de-stigmatization are prioritized?
First Community Event Feedback + Next Steps
Our Questions for Community Members: 1. What are the barriers to incorporating a patient's cultural background into person-centred care for individuals with dementia? 2. Why would establishments such as banks, grocery stores, restaurants, etc. be resistant to changes which would allow their spaces to be dementia-friendly? 3. We found that a non-medical home health aide may cost $28.64 per hour and $1,145 per week, which is one reason why staying at a non-medical home is so expensive for dementia patients. Are there alternatives for these non-medical home costs, and how are these alternatives limited?
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Our Solution Ideas
Equitable and Inclusive Considerations
SOLUTION 1: APP FOR CAREGIVERS
Considerations made about our solution to make it more equitable and inclusive while exploring the 4 lenses of accessibility; Physical, Communicative, Financial, and Digital.
Project Viability
Solution 1: App Database
Solution 2: Call Centre
