Assistive technology and dementia
There are many different types of disability aids available to help dementia sufferers; each product has the same goal-to bring back independence to the lives of sufferers. There are many physical aids such as bath seats, non-spill cups and wheelchairs, but assistive technologies may be the next step to give both the patient and their relative’s peace of mind.
Living with dementia changes your day-to-day life, perhaps things that were once second nature are now easy to forget. Forgetting to turn the taps off or leaving the gas on is not only annoying to the sufferer, it is also a serious safety hazard. This is where assistive technologies can help.
What are assistive technologies?
Assistive technologies refers to any device that allows a person to undertake a task that otherwise they wouldn’t be able to do, or a device that simply increases the level of safety that the task can be performed under.
What is available?
There are many different technologies that can be used to aid people with dementia, but it’s important to remember that each person is different and before choosing a solution a decision should be made with the patient if possible and with your occupational therapist or GP.
Telecare
Telecare is a form of remote monitoring of the home of dementia sufferers. Sensors placed around the home are linked by a telephone to a call centre, which will alert relatives, carers, or a call centre if a problem arises.
Sensors can be used to detect many different hazards such as:
• Gas-this will alert the call centre that gas has been left on and it will be automatically switched off.
• Falls-sensors can be worn by the person that will detect if they fall.
• Flooding-sensors can be fitting to the floors. If the taps have been left running, the sensor will automatically turn off the water and alert the carer or relative.
• Extreme temperatures- sensors can raise the alarm if temperatures have either dropped too low or risen very high. This can be useful if somebody has left the door open in winter, for example.
• Leaving home-an alarm can be triggered when the front door is opened, perhaps just at night or alternatively, if a person doesn’t return within a set period of time.
Memory aids
Reminder messages-a message can be recorded, by a family member to remind them to, for example, pick up their keys before leaving the house. Messages to remind people of their daily appointments can also be recorded. Other messages can be censored to the door reminding them not to trust bogus callers. This is important, as people with dementia are vulnerable to burglary.
Locator devices-devices can be attached to items. When a person wants to find the item, the device will beep until it is picked up.
Medication aids-pills can be placed in boxes with separate compartments for each day of the week. An alarm will sound and the box will dispense the correct pill for the right time and day.
Devices to monitor daily movements
Devices can be fitted in the home to monitor a person’s activity day and night. This is a good solution to relatives worrying as to whether or not a person is managing ok on their own, but it also leaves the person with their independence, as effectively, they are still looking after themselves.
How to decide if assistive technology is right for you?
Assistive technology can make a big impact on the lives of people with dementia, but it isn’t always the right solution. Sometimes just the presence of equipment such as the items mentioned above can cause anxiety so it may be better to try less complex solutions such as physical disability aids. Take a look at aid4u.co.uk to purchase disability aids at the best possible prices.