Using Technology to Keep Loved Ones with Dementia Safe: Practical Tips
Dementia is a complex condition, encompassing a range of symptoms caused by diseases that damage the brain, such as Alzheimer’s. These symptoms often include memory loss, confusion, difficulty with daily tasks, communication challenges, and behavioural changes.
Dementia is progressive, meaning these symptoms worsen over time. As the condition advances, ensuring the safety and well-being of someone living with dementia becomes increasingly important.
Fortunately, technology offers valuable tools to help manage the challenges of dementia. Here, we explore how various technological solutions can help keep your loved one safe, maintain their independence, and enhance their quality of life.
Managing safety
Safety is a primary concern for individuals with dementia, as they may be prone to wandering, forgetting important tasks, or having accidents at home. Several technological tools can help mitigate these risks:
- Remote alarms and telecare systems: These systems can alert caregivers if something goes wrong, such as if the person falls or leaves the house unexpectedly. This immediate alert system allows for quick intervention, potentially preventing harm.
- Automatic lights: For those who wake up during the night, automatic lights can illuminate their path without the need to fumble for a light switch. This simple adjustment reduces the risk of falls and disorientation.
- Movement sensors: Movement sensors can notify caregivers if a person with dementia is moving around their home or, conversely, if they are not, which could indicate a problem. This technology provides peace of mind to caregivers, ensuring they can respond quickly to any irregularities.
Promoting Independence
Maintaining independence is crucial for the dignity and self-esteem of individuals with dementia. Technology can play a significant role in supporting them in their daily lives:
- Electronic medication reminders: These reminders can help ensure that medications are taken correctly and on time, reducing the risk of health complications due to missed or incorrect doses.
- GPS devices for safer walking: GPS devices are essential for individuals who enjoy walking but may become disoriented. Unlike general location trackers, these devices provide real-time updates on the person’s whereabouts, allowing caregivers to locate them quickly if necessary. Some models also feature two-way communication, enabling direct contact with the person if they become lost.
- Electronic calendars and collaboration tools: These tools can help manage appointments, tasks, and reminders, aiding in organisation and reducing stress for both the individual and their caregivers.
Enhancing Social Connection and Engagement
Social isolation can be a significant issue for people with dementia. Technology offers various ways to keep them connected and engaged:
- Video calling and messaging apps: These apps allow regular communication with family and friends, providing comfort and connection even when in-person visits are not possible.
- Robotic pets: For individuals who can no longer care for a real pet, robotic pets can offer companionship and a sense of purpose, reducing feelings of loneliness.
- Social media: While social media can be a valuable tool for staying connected, it’s important to monitor its use carefully. Encourage cautious interaction to protect against scams or misinformation.
Continuing Hobbies and Interests
Technology can help individuals with dementia continue to enjoy their favourite activities, providing both entertainment and mental stimulation:
- Online videos and streaming services: Access to a wide range of movies, TV shows, and music can help individuals engage with content they love, providing comfort and familiarity.
- Virtual assistants: Devices like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri can play music, provide weather updates, or answer questions, offering a simple way to stay engaged with the world around them.
- Virtual reality: Though not suitable for everyone, virtual reality can provide immersive experiences that might bring joy or relaxation, such as virtual travel or interactive games.
Important Considerations
While technology can significantly enhance safety and quality of life for individuals with dementia, there are several key considerations:
- Person-centred care: Always focus on the individual’s needs, preferences, and life history when selecting technology. For example, someone who has always used a physical keyboard may find it easier to adapt to a tablet with a similar layout rather than a completely new interface.
- Consent and mental capacity: If the individual can understand and consent to using a particular technology, their approval is essential. For those who lack the mental capacity to make such decisions, caregivers must act in their best interest, considering the least intrusive options.
- Adapting over time: As dementia progresses, the needs of the individual will change. Regularly reassess the technologies in use and make adjustments as necessary. What works in the early stages may need to be replaced or upgraded as the condition advances.
- Ease of use: Introduce technology as early as possible to allow time for adaptation. The more intuitive and user-friendly the technology, the more likely it is to be successfully integrated into daily life.
Conclusion
Technology can be a powerful ally in managing the challenges of dementia, offering tools to enhance safety, maintain independence, and keep loved ones engaged. By carefully selecting and implementing these technologies, and considering the individual’s needs and consent, you can make a significant difference in their quality of life.
This article is based on a contribution by Angleo Makri of the UK Alzheimer’s Society to a webinar organised by AbilityNet, an organisation offering tech support to people at home.
Photo by Jose Antonio Gallego Vázquez on Unsplash.
