# Web Capture — CarePlay: Gamified Dementia Workforce Learning Pilot

**Source:** Alzheimers New Zealand — Dementia Learning Centre (DLC)
**Date:** June 2026 (published) — accessed 11 June 2026
**Original URL:** https://alzheimers.org.nz/blogs/exploring-new-ways-to-strengthen-dementia-workforce-learning/

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## Summary

The Dementia Learning Centre (DLC) completed a pilot of **CarePlay** — an app-based, game-based learning tool designed to build communication skills and strengthen support for people living with dementia mate wareware.

**Developer:** Mentia Health (Aotearoa New Zealand partner: DLC)

## Pilot Results

| Metric                              | Result                                             |
| ----------------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------- |
| Found CarePlay useful               | **100%** of participants                           |
| "Very useful" or "extremely useful" | **62.5%**                                          |
| Pilot duration                      | 8 weeks                                            |
| Participating organisations         | 3 (1 home-based support, 2 residential aged care)  |
| Learning format                     | Interactive scenarios, decision-making, reflection |

## What Staff Reported

Staff reported applying learning directly into practice:

- **Slowing down** communication
- **Offering simpler choices** to residents
- **Listening more attentively**
- **Responding to distress** in more supportive and person-centred ways

**Participant quote:** _"It changed the way I talk with residents and they responded positively right away."_

## Significance

- Demonstrates practical workforce innovation happening without government Action Plan funding
- Highlights demand for flexible, accessible workforce learning tools
- Complements the KORA AI platform project
- Positive pilot results warrant scaling consideration

## DLC Next Steps

The Dementia Learning Centre will continue exploring how innovative, practice-based learning approaches like CarePlay can complement wider workforce development and support more confident, compassionate care.

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_Cross-references: 07_Dementia_and_Health/2026-02-12 Alzheimers NZ - KORA AI Education Platform.md, 2026 Tracker - Dementia Disability and Health Services_