Masque 2

In a previous project (MASQUE 1) we developed a first version of a garment with sensors (wearable). This garment helps to detect stress early in people with dementia or an intellectual disability. We will now further develop, validate and implement the wearable in long-term care for people with dementia and people with an intellectual disability together with clients, informal caregivers, healthcare providers and other experts.

People with dementia and people with an intellectual disability are often sensitive to stress, but are not always able to communicate this well. When increasing stress is signaled too late, this can lead to misunderstood behavior. The resulting misunderstood behavior has a negative impact on the quality of life of the client and their loved ones, complicates care and support, increases the workload of the care staff, which in turn can lead to increased absenteeism and staff turnover.

This project is an initiative of the Sustainable & Functional Textiles research group.

Project objective

In MASQUE2 we will test whether the wearable, a sock, can measure stress in a pleasant and effective way in long-term care for people with dementia and people with an intellectual disability. In phase 1 we will first test the new sock in a group of healthy elderly people. This sock integrates with the HUME sensor system to detect stress. It has already been shown that the sensor system works well in healthy adults and people with an intellectual disability.

In phase 2 we will introduce the sock with the sensor system in at least four long-term care institutions (two in dementia care and two in intellectual disability care). We want to investigate whether the use of the sock works well in practice and whether the system contributes to reducing incomprehensible behaviour in people with dementia and people with an intellectual disability. In addition, we want to investigate the effect on clients (in addition to incomprehensible behaviour), their loved ones and the employees. We will also carry out a process evaluation for drawing up a generic implementation plan. We will also inventory the costs for using the sensor system with which we will draw up a business case.

Partners

The project is funded by ZonMw of NWO.