Stay connected
Virtual connections
There are more options than ever for how to stay in touch using technology. You may have discovered new ones during this time. We know that not everyone is confident in using new technology.
On this page we:
- hear from MAQ and The Zoomettes about the power of Zoom for people with dementia
- show you how to use QR codes
- link you to Innovations in Dementia's tips for using Zoom
Zoom is marvellous but some people can’t use it – having people to help them develop these computer skills would be useful.
A person with dementia talking to our researchers
Zoom
Zoom has become the most popular platform for video calls and online events. If you haven't used Zoom before, or would like to brush up your skills, then there are some incredible resources to support you.
In the video below you can hear MAQ, who lives with dementia, sharing how Zoom opened up his world. He discusses:
- the confidence he's gained through Zoom
- the joy he gets from staying connected
- the importance of feeling comfortable and safe because you're calling from your home
Click on the image below to watch the video. It is 6 1/2 minutes long.
The Zoomettes
The Zoomettes is a UK-wide virtual group for women living with dementia. They have shared their Zoom knowledge to help others gain confidence.
Click here to watch the Zoomettes 'How to use ZOOM' video.
The Zoomettes have also created a written guide to using Zoom. This document has screenshots with arrows so that you can follow the instructions on where to find different buttons.
Click here to read the Zoomettes Guide to Zoom.
Click here to download the Zoomettes Guide to Zoom in Welsh/yn Gymraeg.
How to use QR codes
We see more QR codes than ever before, but do you know how to use them? In the video below, Steve Milton from Innovations in Dementia explains:
- what QR codes are used for
- how to use QR codes
- how to be safe with QR codes
If you just want a quick reminder of how to scan QR codes from your phone, then watch the second, shorter, video.
Click on the image below to watch the video. It is 7 minutes long.
The video below offers a quick reminder of how to scan QR codes.
Click on the image below to watch the video. It is 3 minutes long.
Innovations in Dementia
iD do lots of incredible work with and for people with dementia. They are the team behind the DEEP network, Dementia Diaries, Dementia Craftivists, Dementia Enquirers, and almost certainly more!
Steve has created two short videos to help you use Zoom on an iPhone. The first video shows you how to install Zoom onto your phone. The second video shows you how to join a meeting.
Scroll down the page on the link below to find these videos.
Click here to learn about Zoom for iPhones.
iD have also created a helpful page of ideas to help Zoom meetings run smoothly. On this page you can
- download 'Guidance for meeting participants'
- download 'Guidance for meeting hosts'
- read a brief guide to Zoom etiquette
Click here to visit iD's 'How to have good Zoom meetings' page.
The yellow ‘I want to speak please’ cards produced by DEEP can be very helpful for Zoom meetings.
You can download a PDF version of the ‘I want to speak please’ card in English by clicking here.
You can download a PDF version of the ‘I want to speak please’ card in Welsh, Scots Gaelic, Irish Gaelic or an editable version to insert your own language by clicking here.
My text chats are spread over variety of platforms and I would learn new platforms to accommodate what people prefer: Google Hangout, Facebook messenger, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok. If someone deems me worthy of having a chat with them, I’m not going to lose them because of the platform.
A person with dementia talking to our researchers
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Virtual connections
You can print a paper version of this resource by clicking the button below.
