Project Overview

Care for people living with dementia (PLWD) is often managed at home by family caregivers, yet products, services,and spaces are not designed with their needs in mind. While resources suggest “”dementia-proofing”” or using assistive products, barriers like cost, access, and practical implementation can limit their effectiveness. As a result,caregivers frequently need to innovate or adapt their environments to enhance usability and meet the specific needs of PLWD.

The research community is interested in understanding dementia-centered DIY (do-it-yourself) in-home adaptations, both digital and physical—why they are created and their impact on improving quality of life. This initiative aims to identify, analyze, and share these adaptations, developed by people living with dementia (PLWD)and their caregivers. By focusing on practical solutions from the community, the study seeks to uncover and share these design adaptations and interventions with a broader audience.

The research will be conducted in two phases: Phase 1 involves collecting and documenting existing DIY in-home adaptations created by people living with dementia and their caregivers. Phase 2 focuses on refining and distributing selected adaptations through a collaborative co-design process with DIY innovators, design professionals, and students. Unlike previous studies, this initiative emphasizes co-creation with the dementia community, ensuring practical, user-driven solutions are developed and shared for wider use.

The anticipated results will improve the lives of people living with dementia by providing practical, user-driven solutions that enhance daily living and well-being. By combining community insights with expert design, this initiative creates more effective, dementia-appropriate solutions. It also fosters a culture of innovation, inspiring ongoing creativity and problem-solving within the dementia community. By empowering people with dementia and their caregivers, it validates their contributions, promoting pride, self-worth, and a greater sense of control.

This project is directly relevant to people living with dementia, caregivers, and front-line staff as it focuses on practical, real-world solutions they’ve created or need in daily life. By documenting and refining these DIY adaptations, the project amplifies the voices and innovations of those with lived experience. It offers solutions tailored to their unique challenges, empowering them to improve their quality of life, while fostering collaboration and creativity within the dementia community.

Principal Investigator

Glen Hougan , NSCAD University

Team Members

Elaine Moody, Dalhousie University

Olga Theou, Dalhousie University

David Roach, Dalhousie University

Clifton Johnston, Dalhousie University

Partners and Donors

Alzheimer Society of Canada