Can Technology Close the Dementia Care Gap? A Conversation with Allyson Schrier, USA

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the Dementia Caregivers’ Corner Podcast, we’re joined by Allyson Schrier, a passionate dementia care advocate, educator, and co-founder of Zinnia TV, a tech platform designed to support individuals living with dementia and reduce stress for caregivers.

Allyson shares her personal journey as a caregiver for her husband and how that experience inspired her to launch a dementia-friendly technology company at the age of 60.

We explore:

• How Zinnia TV uses video content to enhance engagement and well-being
• Strategies for making technology accessible and user-friendly for older adults
• Insights into compassionate caregiving practices
• The challenges and rewards of launching an AgeTech company
• Inclusivity and cultural relevance in dementia care for immigrant families
• The future of AgeTech and the role of innovation in dementia support

 

Whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare provider, or simply curious about how technology can support dementia care, this episode offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of compassionate, tech-enabled caregiving.

 

4 Key Topics Discussed

• The origin and purpose of Zinnia TV

A platform created to engage individuals with dementia through tailored video content.

 

• Integrating technology in elder care

How to make digital tools accessible for older adults and their caregivers.

 

• Compassionate caregiving practices

Practical approaches to offering care with empathy and understanding.

 

• The future of AgeTech and dementia care

Trends, innovations, and what lies ahead for tech solutions in dementia support.

 

4 Key Takeaways

• Personal experience can drive impactful innovation

Allyson’s journey as a caregiver for her husband inspired the creation of Zinnia TV, showing how lived experience can lead to meaningful solutions in dementia care.

 

• Technology can be both simple and supportive

Zinnia TV demonstrates that digital tools for people with dementia can be accessible, user-friendly, and effective in reducing stress and improving quality of life.

 

• Compassion is at the heart of dementia care

Compassionate caregiving strategies not only support those living with dementia but also protect the emotional well-being of caregivers.

 

• Cultural inclusivity is essential in AgeTech

For tech solutions like Zinnia TV to be effective across diverse communities, they must reflect the cultural, linguistic, and social realities of users—including immigrant and African families.

 

Resources Mentioned

A New Approach to Dementia: Examining Sensory and Perceptual Impairment

Professor Andrea`s Episode Link Below

https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/designing-for-dementia-how-smart-technology-and/id1710778347?i=1000715402699

 

Share this episode with a friend, colleague, or family caregiver who may benefit from learning more about vision dysfunction and cognitive decline

 

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