What is AmuseIT?
Feelings of isolation can be a problem for those living with dementia, and it can be difficult for those who care for them to know how to engage in conversation.
Caregivers, family members and friends can support connection and communication with a person living with dementia by using the AmuseIT app on an iPad or Android tablet.
AmuseIT is an app designed to promote conversation. It contains over 1000 simple quiz questions with a strong visual component. If the first few questions get a conversation going then the AmuseIT app has done its job. Finishing a quiz is not the goal. The goal is supporting conversation and having fun.
Click on the links below on your iPad or Android tablet to get the AmuseIT app.
How does it work?
Put the AmuseIT app, running on an iPad/tablet, into the hands of the person with dementia. Allow them to make the decision regarding what topic they would like to look at.
Choose a quiz category and sub category by tapping the pictures. There is a wide selection of topics to match all interest. You might be surprised where you discover hidden knowledge.
AmuseIT runs offline, it can’t be resized and the screen doesn’t rotate, allowing a person with dementia to intuitively use AmuseIt without unexpected changes in how the images are displayed.
Focus on enjoyment, rather than achievement.
Use the questions and image as a conversation starter.
The question level is set automatically for each quiz.
The questions and images tap into memories of the past.
Customize AmuseIT settings to suit the individual user:
Shaky hands? Turn the “Single tap answer” off.
Reduce the number of questions, to allow for variations in attention spans.
Slideshow mode or selecting the “Next question” suits different users.
Tips on how to use AmuseIT
Look at our page on “Tips on how to use AmuseIT” in this website, to find out more ways to use AmuseIT to promote conversation.
We would love to hear your ideas and tips so we can share them with others.
Testimonial
"I didn't realise how beneficial the application was until I used it with my client with dementia ...He completely lit up when he saw something that he recognised, and his wife was excited by his reaction. I was able to see them work together to discover the answers."
- Kelsey Lane, Social worker at Age Concern Christchurch