Sensor e-Textiles

Sensor e-Textiles is a design research project supported by REIF and OPAN funding. It is investigating ways of integrating electronics and smart technology to extend the sensory properties of textile blankets and garments that are being developed to comfort, engage and sooth people with late stage dementia.

The project is a collaboration between Gwalia Cyf and CARIAD and includes representatives from Age Cymru, Dementia Positive, David Jones Associates and the UK National Physical Laboratory.

A number of personalised sensory aprons and blankets have been made. Some of these contain embedded electronics to extend the functionality by adding sound and vibration. The textiles have been found to bring pleasure to both the person living with dementia and their carers. The textiles provide activities that can be shared together ‘in the moment’ and have been found to stimulate non verbal communication and emotional memory.

L dementia apron

V dementia apron

Aston Villa Apron