Page 4 - Bella Vista Gardens Newsletter Winter 2019_Final

4 BELLA VISTA NEWS, WINTER 2019
Health & Wellbeing

"A Better Visit" App

A new App launched by Dementia Australia assists together as equal players. Engage your co‐player as much
family members engage with those living with as possible by demonstrating, gently guiding, encouraging
dementia and results in a “Better Visit” for everyone. and turn taking. Find the right activity at the right time.
There might be games one of you is not interested in or
days where an activity away from the iPad is preferred.
“A Better Visit” is a free to download app for iPads
featuring a range of two‐player games designed to There is no right or wrong way to play, or requirement to
complete games. Come up with ways that engage both of
enhance communication and facilitate positive social
interactions between people with dementia and their you, the main purpose is to have fun together or engage
visitors. The app was developed in collaboration by in a conversation prompted by the visuals or music. Don’t
Dementia Australia, Lifeview Residential Care and necessarily insist on playing according to rules and
Swinburne University of Technology’s Future Self and engage in conversations. Ask one question at a time
Design Living Lab. The interactive games were designed (even if there are several listed). Don’t leave all the
in a co‐creative process with people living with questions to your co‐player; show initiative and tell some
moderate and advanced dementia and their visitors. stories yourself.
Often family members struggle to interact and engage
with a family member who no longer recognises them. If you are looking to enhance your visits we suggest
This application assists with engaging the family downloading "A Better Visit" App to use with your loved
one.
members and results in a “Better Visit” for everyone.
Observations were made of families visiting and sitting
next to their loved ones, struggling to maintain
conversation. Through the stimulation and interaction
that the App prompts, more laughter and chatting
consequently occurs. It has been observed that after
the game play, the resident's mood is often more
upbeat and positive, even after the families visiting
leave and go home.

Some Practical Tips on Using the App
To get the most from the app, it is advised to share the
experience as much as possible. While you may need to
explain games and read out questions, try to play