The Erasmus+ project “3d4elderly“, which was related to the development and implementation of games aimed at contributing to the dissemination of social inclusion through game-based approaches, has finished.
The project started in December 2020. and end at the end of September 2022. During the two years with the project partners – BETI from Lithuania, CETEM from Spain and CEIPES from Italy, we managed to create a platform for the project website with 15 developed games, which was one of the planned outcomes.
Together we developed a toolkit that contains 15 games made on a 3D printer that have a positive effect on stimulating cognitive functions – memory, imagination and communication of people with dementia, which slows down the progression of the disease. Detailed instructions are provided – the place and method of play, as well as for what stage of dementia the products are suitable. The games can be implemented by professionals in day care centers as well as by family members who are caring for a loved one with dementia.
The games created, tested and described help people with dementia maintain their short-term memory, stimulate recall, concentration, coordination and planning. Last but not least, the activities are an enjoyable and useful way to spend time with people with dementia, as well as supporting their social inclusion in communication with relatives and/or carers. You can view and download the manuals and models for the games HERE.
The results of the project were presented at two meetings in September 2022, to which representatives of state and municipal authorities as well as professionals and students from the helping professions were invited. We demonstrated how the 3D printer was used to make the games for people with dementia and presented the methodology for working with the materials and how they help the person with dementia to continue to be independent by stimulating memory, attention and cognition.
Alzheimer Bulgaria will continue to use and disseminate the products created within the project in its work for people with dementia. It is our strong hope that the materials developed within this project will support the development of national dementia care strategies based on the principles of social inclusion, creative engagement and cognitive stimulation of people with dementia.
