Technology in the care system has come a long way, with the COVID-19 pandemic highlighting the need for more remote assistive technology.
Although there is no cure for degenerative diseases like dementia, utilising technology can ease the burden on both carers and patients, particularly those living on their own.
A 2020 study from the University of Oxford found that 100 per cent of carers involved said they or their patients benefited from assistive technology.
With this in mind, NR Times takes a closer look at seven devices which are enabling greater independence and life quality for people with dementia.
SmartSole GPS tracker
One concern for families when their relatives with dementia live on their own is the fear that they will leave the house and get lost.
Research suggests this is quite a common problem, with an estimated 40,000 dementia patients going missing for the first time each year.
This is where the SmartSole GPS tracker can come in.
The product uses cellular technology to send its location every five minutes so relatives and carers can locate those living with dementia.
What makes the SmartSole unique is its discreteness. It fits into almost every shoe, so if someone does go missing, those with access to the monitoring system will be alerted straight away.
The Simple Music Player
Music can have a profound effect on people with neurological conditions. Being able to use the technology that provides this, however, can be difficult for those with dementia.
The Simple Music Player is a recommended product from the Alzheimer’s society and it makes listening to music straightforward.
Styled like a traditional radio – which is instantly recognisable for the elderly – the device is easy to use. Simply lift the lid and music will begin to play.
DayClox
Also keeping things simple is the DayClox which makes timekeeping easy and understandable for dementia patients.
Available in both traditional and digital forms, the clock simply shows what day it is and whether it is morning, afternoon, evening or night.
Working out specific times can be a challenge for those with dementia, so the DayClox can assist when it comes to things like keeping track of when someone needs to take their medication.
CaringBridge App
Although not specifically designed for dementia patients, CaringBridge is a free platform that allows everyone involved in caring for an individual to keep up-to-date with their progress.
It gives carers the chance to set up a personal webpage for a patient, which they can post photo and video updates about how they are progressing.
Other people can visit the page, where they can like (called Well Wishes) and comment on the updates, as well as reading their personal story and journal updates.
The Extra Simple Dementia Mobile Phone – Doro 580
The Extra Simple Dementia Mobile Phone, by tech giants Doro, takes away any complication around giving a loved one a phone call.
If the last year has taught us anything, it’s the importance of keeping in touch with loved ones; and some studies suggest that loneliness can speed up the onset of dementia.
With its easy-to-use set up and large buttons, the Dementia Mobile Phone makes calls seamless. Simply link a phone number to each button and press to begin.
Canary Care
Looking for an all-in-one monitoring system? The Canary Care portal is a discrete, wifi-free system that tracks a person’s behaviour without the use of cameras or microphones.
Not only can it follow a person’s movements, bathroom visits and sleeping patterns, it also allows caregivers to track their home’s temperature, sending alerts if anything looks unusual.
Care can be shared around the family through the portal and reminders can be set to check that the proper medication is being taken.
Howz
Howz is similar to Canary Care as it allows those in charge of care to keep track of a person’s activity, notifying them if anything unexpected occurs.
Funded by NHSX, the system is unique as it can connect to a Smart Meter to monitor the electricity output in a person’s home.
This means it can detect any sustained electrical activity, which can help dementia patients in the event they forget to turn off their appliances.
