The impact of assistive software application to facilitate people with dementia through participatory research

Due to the ever-increasing number of people with dementia (PWD), the researchers are challenged with finding
innovative ways for their wellbeing. This study explores the development and usability of a software application
named the assistive brotherhood community (ABC) application as a potential alternative to help PWD. The ABC
application is based on the actual requirements elicited from the PWD, and it supports multiple functionalities.
The usability is tested through case studies involving eight PWD and 40 volunteers. The ABC application helped
the PWD in getting their daily needs while staying in their homes. It further aided them in specific reminders,
evoking memories, independent travel and updating events around them. Additionally, the enhanced interaction
between the PWD and their neighbours reduced their social isolation. The results support the idea to create
dementia-friendly communities at street level by combining the PWD, technology and people support. Such
communities can potentially offer cost-effective and friendly environments for the PWD.