Assistive dementia technology - identifying tech to help

Assistive dementia technology

We have looked at some items of assisted dementia technology in some of the other articles about the home. Here we cover the overall assisted technology arena, what it sets out to do, what can be achieved. We also look at some of the essential pieces of technology that are worth having and finally understand some of the limitations and risks associated with this technology.

When discussing how to make a kitchen more suitable for someone with dementia, we identified a microwave with a barcode reader which negates the need for the person with dementia to read the very small cooking instructions on the side of the packaging. Read this blog here

There are lots of other examples where dementia assistive technology can help, across the whole spectrum of the house, as well as in other areas of the patient’s life.

The key aim of assistive technology is to aid, assist and maximise a person’s ability to tackle and overcome the challenges presented by dementia so that they can keep a high level of autonomy and freedom in their lives, and hopefully, remain in their homes for as long as possible.

The technological devices can assist with regards to;

• Safety

• Entertainment

• Location

• Security

Cost

As more strides are taken into understanding dementia and the challenges it creates, then more and more devices will become available to assist with these challenges. As devices become more widespread with more manufacturers joining the field and producing in greater quantities, prices will come down.

It is important to shop around, and keep a close eye on the latest developments. The cost of the item will very much depend on the functionality of the device, but remember to speak to your local authority to see if they can help with the cost of some of these items. Supporting a carer and undertaking the cost of a number of these technological items, to keep the person with dementia in the local community, will often be cheaper than the cost of that person having to move into a social care environment.

It may also be an idea to speak to charity organisations and other groups to see how they could assist with providing some of this assistive technology.

Lastly, it is worth remembering that if a product is made purely for use to aid with a disability then it is VAT-exempt for the product whether you are purchasing as the carer, dementia patient or healthcare professional. 

Location

Many people have very real concerns about the person with dementia leaving the house and becoming lost. If this is the case, then investing in a location device is the best thing to do. Being safe in the knowledge that the person with dementia can be easily found will encourage carers to allow the patient to get out and about, staying active and more fit in the process.

Devices these days can be very discreet, with a popular choice being a wristband, no bigger than a wrist watch. As with all technology, depending on cost, the devices will have differing levels of functionality. Some of these location devices will track the person with dementia and send an update to a carer or a relative’s smartphone highlighting where they are and where they have been.

Safety

Safety is obviously important for all of us, but even more so for people with dementia. Carers and relatives may be very risk averse, but this can lead to problems, often resulting in the person entering social care well before they have to. It is important to remember that the person with dementia has the right to make unwise decisions. A certain amount of leeway has to be given, and technology can help to mitigate this risk. Electronic monitoring can help achieve this.

All standard prevention measures must be adhered to, such as the installation and upkeep of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms etc.

Cookers can be a concern, but it is possible to arrange the cooker so that the person can not switch it on randomly, and/or switches itself off when not in use.

Another key safety area is medication. One of the most helpful pieces of assistive technology is the ‘PillBox’. This is a device that houses the tablets that the dementia patient must take daily. The item needs to be turned upside down, and the pills taken out. If the pillbox is not turned upside down and the pills removed, or not at the right time, then an alert is sent to the carer and/or relative who can then make contact with the person, or make arrangements for help to be provided to administer the tablets.

Another really useful item is the ‘Magiplug’. If you put the plug in the sink, turn the water on and then forget about it, then the plug will automatically drain the sink before it overflows.

Security

An obvious concern for most people, with the main worry being that when the person with dementia leaves the house, they may fail to lock it or lose the keys.

A key safe is a good, reasonably cost effective way of helping keep the house secure. It’s a small box fitted to the wall or on the door handle where a spare key can be kept and accessed only by using a secret combination. This helps, as it means that people can come and enter the house without the dementia patient needing to answer the door all the time.

And as with all these items of technology, there is often a more advanced, sophisticated model. There is a biometric device that can store and recognise up to eighty fingerprints, so you don’t need to worry about setting another passcode.

Other key items of assistive technology

Infrared beam emitters in the house is another key example of how technology can help monitor a person and help them with their needs. This particular type of technology helps on numerous levels, safety/security/entertainment etc.

Infrared beams can be set up in all rooms or selected rooms near the doorway. When the person enters the room and the beam is broken, then this can send a signal to turn the lights on, or the TV etc. It can also be used to send a signal to the carer on their smartphone that the patient is up and on the move. A carer or relative can access the internet and keep a log on where the patient goes, and what they do.

It can also offer up other benefits, as it can tell the carer what time the person is getting up in the morning, and making sure that care is provided at the right time.

Issues to keep in mind,

All of the assistive technological items will need to be constantly maintained and replaced when necessary. It’s important to make sure that the dementia patient is aware of what it is and what it does. There is no point having a smoke alarm, or other alarm go off, if the patient is unaware what to do if the alarm starts going off. Similarly, if a voice comes out of nowhere telling you where your keys are, this could be frightening for the patient, especially again, if you have forgotten about that piece of technology.

It’s worth bearing in mind also, that the installation of the technology requires consent from the patient, so make sure that they are fully briefed as much as is possible on all aspects of their use.

Technology isn’t the full answer

Technology and gadgets may seem ‘cool’ and ‘hit the bullseye’ with regards to helping the person with dementia, and it has to be said, some of the technology is fantastic at helping overcome challenges, however, these devices can only form a part of the overall package required to help a person with dementia. They have to be constantly managed, and have to work alongside other measures to help maintain a person’s quality of life and autonomy, not replace outright.

Ultimately, the carer(s) and relatives will need to decide what level of technological assistance they need to make sure that the patient is provided with the autonomy and freedom that they deserve.