Postcards are a way to stay in touch with dementia sufferers
Workflow software and digital presses at Ricoh are playing a key role in a charity campaign for dementia sufferers run by Alzheimer’s Research.
Called Printed Memories, (and covered in Digital Printer in December 2017) the campaign aims to use the fact that photographs and mementoes can be effective reminders for people with dementia, who can easily become withdrawn and socially isolated. This can help families and friends of those afflicted keep connections alive, especially when separated by distance.
Users log into the campaign’s online portal, upload a photo connected with a shared memory, add a personal message if desired and a postcard is created, printed and sent to the recipient anywhere in Europe. A £1 donation to Alzheimer’s Research is collected each time a card is made and mailed.
The data for each card is received and processed at Ricoh Europe’s facility in Telford where workflow software initiates a fully automated job set-up, print, finishing and fulfilment process. The service is currently available in English, Spanish, Italian and Polish with more languages to follow.
Timothy Parry, director of communications and partnerships at Alzheimer’s Research, said: ‘The generosity, support and technology know-how shared by Ricoh is playing a powerful role in helping those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias to stay connected. The Printed Memories portal demonstrates the unique strengths that partnership can unlock in the battle to combat these diseases.’
