Technology in dementia care

Psychological wellbeing in dementia care is closely linked to a person’s ability to remain engaged in meaningful activity and to maintain a sense of self over time. As cognitive changes progress, supporting identity, familiarity, and emotional connection becomes increasingly important within everyday care practice.

Research by Goodall et al. highlights the role of technology in enabling more individualised and meaningful engagement for people living with dementia. When used in a person-centred way, technology can support activities that reflect a person’s life history, interests, and preferences, rather than offering generic or task-based approaches.

In practice, this may involve adapting activities to suit changing abilities, supporting familiar routines, and providing opportunities for autonomy and choice. Technology becomes a tool that enables participation, helping individuals remain connected to activities that hold personal meaning.

Technology can also play a key role in supporting sense of self. Digital life story tools, personalised photo displays, music linked to personal history, and video calling platforms can all help reinforce familiarity and maintain connections with important relationships. These approaches support recognition, emotional memory, and continuity of identity, particularly where verbal communication may become more difficult.

Importantly, the evidence suggests that the value lies not in the technology itself, but in how it is applied. When thoughtfully integrated into care, technology can enhance psychological wellbeing by supporting engagement, identity, and emotional connection. It should always complement, rather than replace, human interaction, ensuring that care remains centred on the individual and their lived experience.