Background Research and History
Some Things Never Change
Experiences in our lives such as the procedures for doing things, as with hobbies and everyday routines, become automatic.
Therefore Judi's research and design for Share-Time Products focuses on Implicit Memory
(Procedural Memory) which is our strongest and longest remaining memory.
Our products are designed for a carer and care-recipient to share a moment in time together.
To improve the quality of life in social interaction and reminiscence for care-recipients.
Judi has over ten years experience in the aged care industry in assistant-in-nursing and diversional therapy roles.
She has over thirty years experience as a professional and award winning multi-media artist and
is an accredited member of the Queensland Artworkers Alliance.
A preview of the introduction by Judi - the full video is available on the 'Moments in Lavender' DVD.
In 2005 Judi commenced her research as a Master of Arts in Visual Art Postgraduate.
Her goal was to design audiovisuals and non-verbal books that would be suitable for people with
Alzheimer's disease (AD), dementia and memory loss and also frail aged people.
Three phases of practical research were conducted to determine images that would be
appropriate in subject matter and engaging in visual information.
The theme of Lavender was selected for the research and product designs.
Phase 1 In addition to publication research, this phase investigated the Preferred Hobbies and Interests
of people with early-mid AD and mentally healthy older adults in the community.
These surveys were conducted through community groups, aged care facilities and
day respite centres in the northern Brisbane suburbs.
Phase 2 was conducted in aged care facilities and day respite centres.
This stage investigated image styles and designs preferred by people with early-mid AD
using a Paired Comparisons test with 8 different images on the one theme.
A 28minute DVD video, 10minute DVD video, Slide-Show CD, Memory Box and Non-verbal Book
were created from the findings of Phases 1 and 2.
Video lengths were determined through literature publications and therapists' consultations.
The aim is to provide optimim opportunities for engagement and interaction; to provide audiovisual DVDs that are
versatile for activity programs but also facilitate the indivdual needs of different care-recipients on any given day.
Judi received: Griffith Award for Academic Excellence 2005
Master of Arts in Visual Arts Postgraduates Exhibition 2005
Queensland College of Art Griffith University Brisbane
In 2006, as an Honours postgraduate Judi conducted Phase 3 of her research.
Participating aged care facilities and dementia specific units recorded the responses of people with mid-late AD to the tools.
The primary two completed interventions, the Non-verbal Book and the 10minute edition
of the DVD were presented in a one-on-one, quiet setting with a carer/observer.
Importantly, this research supported literature indicating that people with AD may have some cognitive
understanding even though they may not be able to verbally express themselves.
Postgraduate Supervisors
Dr Joseph McDowall
Griffith University Lecturer and Psychologist
Dr Juanita Muller
Griffith University Lecturer and Clinical Psychologist
Research Consultant: Dr Jane Crisp
Griffith University Lecturer [Retired] and
Author: Keeping in Touch: with someone who has Alzheimer's disease (Ausmed Publications)
Judi's MA(Hons)VA Honours Dissertation and Research Report assessment was conducted through
Griffith University Faculty of Psychology and Faculty of Nursing
The business name Share-Time Pictures was registered in April 2007.
This name was specifically chosen because it best states what the concept is behind our products.
They are for sharing, for use as communication tools, whether verbal or non-verbal.
The Share-Time Pictures products are now used in Australian care facilities by
Diversional therapists, Occupational therapists, carers and visiting relatives and friends.
They are also used by home-carers to share relaxing moments with their care-recipients.
They are suitable for people in care and aged care, and also people with dementia, including people
with AD (unless otherwise stated) and frail aged people.
The products are designed for a relative, friend, Diversional therapist or carer
to share with a Care-recipient in a one-on-one situation.
They are ideal for use as a group activity with a Diversional therapist, Occupational therapist or Carer.
If you have any queries regarding this research please contact Judi.
Website Design and Images © Copyright Judi Parkinson 2007-2010. All Rights Reserved
'Ninety year old lady on typewriter younger on laptop' photo: © Copyright Gary Martin 2009. iStockphoto.com
'Mother daughter hands holding a butterfly' photo: © Copyright Jodi Jacobson 2009. iStockphoto.com
