"Puppet accompaniment"-A geragogically based accompaniment approach

Home care for older people with dementia (PwD) is associated with special needs and requires appropriate support services as well as learning and developmental impulses from a geragogical perspective. The accompanied use of robotic technology can be a suitable approach. In the Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF)-funded research and development (R and D) project "OurPuppet" (2016-2019), an accompaniment profile was to be developed and tested in order to introduce a technical intervention (sensor-based robotic system in form of a puppet) into the home care of PwD. The aim was to stimulate technology learning, to motivate the use of technology and to contribute to the stability of the care situation. A partially standardized and qualitative evaluation of the concept in the preparation course for the accompaniment profile and a qualitative in-process evaluation of the accompaniment approach in an explorative practical test over several months within five families took place. The puppet accompaniment approach, which was developed, tested and evaluated in the R and D project "OurPuppet" is presented. The participatory curriculum development and self-determined learning can be seen as success factors for the appropriation processes. The accompanied introduction of techniques has proven to be profitable. The added value experienced by the users goes far beyond a user-oriented technology design. The feasibility and acceptance of the technology and support approach in the context of home care of PwD has been proven. For further development, sustainable structures have been created with the establishment of the Network Center for Engagement, Support and Accompaniment at the "Hochschule für Gesundheit Bochum" (hsg).