Home Automation and Dementia Care

About the Project

Home Automation technologies have evolved significantly in recent years to incorporate all aspects of modern living from climate control, lighting, security, safety monitoring, entertainment and energy conservation.

Interaction with these systems has also developed to incorporate a wide range of modalities including artificially intelligent voice assistants, touch control interface, cameras, sensors and dashboards available via mobile devices and TV displays.

This research will focus on understanding how such technologies could help to promote ageing-in-place. It may consider aspects such as:

• Automation and assistance of everyday tasks.
• Cognitive support to address confusion and assist in memory recall, thinking and planning.
• Adapting the environment to account for behavioural and mood changes.

This PhD would utilise a variety of technologies to explore practical implementations of technologies in the home setting and should account for all relevant stake holders including the care receiver, care givers, service providers, family and friends.

Supervisory team

• Director of Studies: Dr Chris Bowers, Participant Centred Learning Research Group, Worcester Business School, University of Worcester
• Supervisors: Dr Chris Bowers and Dr Shirley Evans, Participant Centred Learning Research Group, Worcester Business School, University of Worcester
• Research Group: Participant Centred Learning in Management Education (ParCeL) Research Group

Application Process

To begin the application process please go to https://www.worc.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/applying-for-a-phd/.

The Interview

All successful applicants will be offered an interview with the proposed Supervisory Team. You will be contacted by a member of the Doctoral School Team to find a suitable date. Interviews can be conducted in person or over Microsoft Teams.