A digitally-driven programme for people newly diagnosed with dementia is to be piloted in Jersey thanks to a grant to Dementia Jersey through the Impact Jersey ‘CareTech Challenge’ Programme, which is delivered by Digital Jersey.

Through the funding of almost £200,000, the project will see Dementia Jersey develop a solution to provide holistic needs assessments for newly diagnosed people with dementia, and their main family carer.

In particular, the pilot programme seeks to reduce a perceived reliance on manual processes and will feature two projects running in tandem:

  • The implementation of a Jersey-specific ‘electronic Holistic Needs Assessment’ (eHNA) using RIO Cloud software. This will enable Dementia Jersey to create efficient, patient-centred, and tailored care plans so that people with dementia and their families know what support is available to them to help them live well with their dementia.
  • The use of MiCode, a wearable QR code solution designed for healthcare and emergency situations that securely stores and manages medical information and emergency contacts. Dementia often causes disorientation, confusion and difficulties in communicating. MiCode can ensure that emergency responders and caregivers have access to the necessary details to provide appropriate care during an emergency.

Combined, the use of the eHNA solution and MiCode will ensure that caregivers have instant and easy access to critical information, empowering them to provide tailored support to people with dementia, whilst enabling better coordination and increasing healthcare provider efficiency.

Dementia Jersey is the only local charity in Jersey for people with dementia and those who care for them. The charity provides expert support on dementia, raises awareness and campaigns to improve services.

This latest pilot project is a further example of progress being made in Jersey to leverage technology to support the Island’s long-term healthcare needs, aligned with the objectives of Jersey’s digital health strategy. It builds on previous grants awarded through Impact Jersey to organisations to support these ambitions, including Family Nursing and Home Care, Orchid Connect, Good Boost and Lifestyle Medicine Jersey and its ‘Hero of Health Jersey’ app.

Funded by the Government of Jersey and delivered by Digital Jersey, the ‘CareTech Challenge’ was launched to offer a total of up to £2m in grant funding to innovators who could develop solutions aimed at improving the lives of older people and delivering long-term, high-quality care in Jersey through the smart use of technology.

Commenting on the latest Impact Jersey grant, Tony Moretta, CEO, Digital Jersey, said: “This is a further example of how digital technologies can be applied to provide significant benefits within our local healthcare system. Alongside the other recipients of grants through the CareTech Challenge, this Dementia Jersey project has the potential to significantly improve experiences and outcomes for both individuals and care givers, aligning well with the ambitions set out in Jersey’s digital health strategy.”

Claudine Snape, CEO, Dementia Jersey, said: “We are incredibly grateful for this support from the Impact Jersey CareTech Challenge. At the heart of this project is a simple goal: ensuring that every person in Jersey living with dementia feels safe and supported from the moment of their diagnosis. By embracing these new digital tools, we aren’t just updating systems; we’re creating a more connected experience for families. Whether it’s providing the peace of mind that comes with a wearable MiCode or ensuring a person’s unique care needs are instantly understood through the RIO system, this grant allows us to use technology to give people with dementia the dignity and tailored care they deserve.”

Deputy Kirsten Morel, Minister for Sustainable Economic Development, added: “I’m pleased to see such a broad range of technology-driven projects receive support through Impact Jersey – most recently this pilot project from Dementia Jersey. They are all extremely important in addressing the very real challenge of an ageing demography in Jersey, blending cutting-edge technology with a clear understanding of our community needs. Critically, they also reflect our absolute commitment as an island to leveraging digital solutions to improve access to healthcare and enhance patient experience.”