SAM: an interactive buddy to stimulate action and interaction for and between people with dementia.
SAM was designed in collaboration with healthcare professionals, residents and family members of a healthcare institution of healthcare organization Mijzo, to stimulate interaction and activity for people with dementia. In the communal living rooms, where people with dementia spend most of their day, there is often a passive atmosphere. To stimulate more activity and interaction between people, SAM was designed.
SAM consists of two spheres that respond to touch (shaking, tapping, caressing, holding) through light, sound and vibration. In this way, everyone can receive stimuli from SAM, because it appeals to three different senses. The sounds may vary depending on the theme you want. There are six themes built into SAM, such as 'spring' or 'zen'.
In addition to action, interaction is also stimulated, because the spheres also communicate with each other. When both are used they imitate each other and when one is not used the other becomes jealous and shows this by making a jealous sound and glowing red. If the bulbs are not used for a while, they attract attention by making a sound and showing a blue glow.
SAM is located on the table in the communal living room, so SAM can be used at any time of the day and has a low threshold for use. The charging station is a separate product that can be placed anywhere that is convenient for healthcare professionals. On this station the bulbs can be charged wirelessly, the theme can be set and the volume can be adjusted.