When a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis, you may wonder whether they can continue living at home. Assistive technology makes it possible for many people living with dementia to stay as independent as possible in comfort, with equipment developed to support physical challenges and memory difficulties.
Assistive technology to support dementia makes it possible for more people to receive experienced care at home. Today, we’ll explore the types of assistive technology used for individuals with dementia and how we use it at Patricia White’s to enhance our standard of care.
What Is Assistive Technology?
Assistive technology refers to devices and systems that support an individual living with dementia, helping them complete tasks of daily living. They can support mobility and alleviate symptoms of frailty, as well as memory-related issues.
There are various ways assistive technology can be used to help individuals with dementia improve their safety, independence and overall quality of life.
From smart systems to alarms and safety buttons, assistive technology can help with:
- Memory challenges
- Mobility and movement
- Communication
- Improving self-confidence and independence
- Support to play certain tasks for everyday life
- Remaining safe in and out of the home
- Socialisation
Types of Assistive Technology for Dementia Care
There are several types of assistive technology for individuals with dementia. These can be used together to support and encourage them to live well with their condition.
Smart Devices
Smart home devices, such as the Amazon Echo, Apple HomePod and Google Home, can support individuals with dementia who are experiencing memory-related symptoms. These devices can notify your loved one when to complete specific tasks, such as taking medication and turning off the home alarm.
Your loved one can also ask them questions, like the date and time. Some can be linked to their smartphone, allowing them to call and send messages without needing a small screen. More complex commands include recording a television programme or creating a shopping list.
Appliance Monitoring Devices
Your loved one’s safety is paramount, so consider appliance monitoring devices to ensure alerts are provided when an appliance is turned on and off. Alerts can be sent to you or them, so if they’ve left the oven or running water on for a prolonged period, you’ll be notified to act accordingly.
Smart and Picture Phones
Smartphones are one of the most innovative and convenient pieces of assistive technology for individuals with dementia.
They can be used in several different ways to promote your loved one’s independence, including:
- Time and date: Most phones allow you to change the size of the time and date, making it easier to read.
- Alarms: Your loved one can set alarms and reminders for any time of day, helping them stay on track with their schedule.
- Home system compatibility: You can download corresponding apps onto your loved one’s smartphone to help them check cameras, adjust the thermostat and record programmes on the TV.
- Calendar function: Your loved one may find it helpful to keep their social and activity schedule in their calendar, especially as memory challenges progress.
- Online shopping: Shopping online provides individuals with dementia a sense of freedom and independence, particularly when they are unable to go shopping alone.
- Emergency support: A smartphone can be programmed to include an emergency alert or contact, so your loved one can reach you quickly if they need emergency assistance.
If your loved one isn’t keen on using technology or smartphones, consider a picture home phone. You can program the buttons to call a certain number and attach a picture so your loved one can see exactly who they’re calling. This makes it easier for them to stay in touch with loved ones without having to remember names or phone numbers.
Alarms and Dementia Clocks
Not everyone feels comfortable with using smartphone technology, so alarms and dementia clocks can be a viable option. These are radio-controlled or digital LCD displays, featuring large, easy-to-read numbers.
Dementia clocks often include symbols to indicate the time of day, the weather, and other useful information. These are incredibly useful for individuals living alone who become confused throughout the day and night.
In-Home Cameras
Installing cameras within your loved one’s home is another effective way to ensure their safety. Not only does this provide you and the rest of the family with reassurance that your loved one is safe, but you can also link the cameras to your phone to check on them at any time of day or night.
GPS Tracking Devices
Tracking devices are excellent safety devices for individuals with dementia who have a tendency to wander. The tracking device can be worn on their person, allowing you to see their location from your phone.
You may also be able to program an alarm to signal when they leave a particular location, such as leaving the house. This gives family members peace of mind that your loved one is safe and findable.
Electronic Medications Management
Individuals with dementia may need to take multiple medications to manage symptoms, but their memory challenges and confusion might make it increasingly difficult for them to keep track of their dosage times. Electronic medication management systems alert your loved one when it’s time to take their next dose.
Some dispensers can be linked to a vibrating alarm that can also be worn on the wrist. This technology helps manage medications safely for your loved one, thereby increasing their quality of life through effective medication management.
How to Choose Assistive Technology for Dementia Care at Home
Using assistive technology for dementia care helps your loved one remain in the comfort of home for longer. While technology can’t replace one-on-one care provided by a family member or professional carer, it can help enhance their support and improve quality of life.
When considering whether your loved one needs assistive technology at home, consider:
- Whether there is a need for it
Your loved one may not need assistive technology. If they have a reliable source of support from a live-in or visiting carer, they may be able to get assistance from a compassionate person instead. This can also prevent loneliness and isolation, which are dangers associated with using assistive technology on its own.
- Technology that meets your needs
Some individuals are more comfortable with certain types of assistive technology than others. Your loved one may prefer using dementia clocks and alarms to a smartphone. Others may require a home assistant, such as an Amazon Echo, to deliver multiple assistive capabilities from a single device.
- Your loved one’s ability to use the technology
Can your loved one use assistive technology independently, or will they require the assistance of a professional caregiver to manage it? If they have other conditions that make using technology difficult, such as hearing loss or vision impairment, you may need to factor this into your decision of which technology to adopt.
- How the technology will fit into your loved one’s routines
Dementia care at home means your loved one can continue enjoying their usual routines with minimal disruption, and their technology should honour this. For example, if your loved one tends to wander outside, they may need a GPS tracker.
However, if they haven’t displayed this type of behaviour before, a tracker may be a waste of money and leave them feeling needlessly monitored.
- The cost of the technology
Certain technologies might cost more than they’re worth when you factor in how much your loved one will be able to use them. If they require assistance from a professional carer to use the technology, consider whether it’s really necessary.
For example, a Patricia White’s carer can remind your loved one to take their medications and manage their calendar so they don’t miss appointments. They may not need a dementia clock or smart home device.
- What the technology requires
Most types of assistive technology will require a WiFi connection or a working phone line. If your loved one doesn’t have one of these or is unwilling to adapt their home to accommodate them, they may not be able to use it.
Talk to Our Dedicated Team of Experts Today
The standards set by Patricia White 30 years ago still apply today. Call our experienced team today on 01293 224712 to discuss your home care needs and receive a free, no-obligation quotation.
Or feel free to send us a message using our online enquiry form. A member of our expert care team will respond as soon as possible, typically within 24 hours.
