# 1 priority?

- When learning, memory, decision-making and language becomes affected in dementia: is safety or wellness-of-being issue # 1 priority to help improve the quality of life of our dear ones?

The day had to come. When the driver’s licence was withdrawn from aunt Anne. Replaced by numerous technical safety gadgets to protect her from injuries caused by Alzheimer memory loss. 

As I watched the progression of dementia, I learned to appreciate nursing-home activities that contributed to her wellness of being. Music, slow-pace coffee sessions and gardens walkes, I realized contributed significantly to my aunt’s quality of life.

The Clinic of Innovation and the Oslo Resource Center for Dementia (GERIA) have been fortunate to receive financial support from the Norwegian Design Council. Applying a design-driven innovation method, the project will identify how we best can meet the needs of dementia patients and their dear ones*. At our kick-off on friday - in a room crowded with enthusiasm and energy -  it was uniform agreement that both safety and wellness-of-being aspects are key issues. We can hardly wait to proceed in the process, utilizing the creative knowledge of designer! - Kari K

*  http://www.norskdesign.no/2009/design-driven-innovation-article10122-8026.html