Adaptive Living: Technology for Dementia

Adaptive technology and equipment can be invaluable for helping people to remain independent at home for as long as possible. The ever-increasing range of equipment available can support with safety, healthcare, contact and mealtimes to reassure loved ones and make life a little easier.

Technology is becoming an increasingly part of everyday life, however, considering apps and devices to support a caring role or maintain independence and safety can be overwhelming. It is important to first recognise what issues need to be addressed to understand the best and least restrictive options to meet those needs.

Ethical & practical considerations

Whilst technology comes with many benefits, it is not appropriate for every situation. When choosing to install any equipment it is important to consider whether it might limit a person’s freedom or privacy. If the person requiring support does not have capacity to consent to these solutions, the changes must be the least restrictive and in their best interest to reduce risk and maintain independence.

Here are some things to consider when exploring any new piece of equipment or technology:

• What is the need? Focus what the person can do, not what they can’t do.

• Will the person be able to use & understand the equipment?

• Have you explored all options, starting with the least restrictive? Are there alternatives? For example, if the person is leaving the house and getting lost or disorientated, a door sensor might be the right option, however, if they are going out because they are bored or lonely, a companion carer might be a better solution.

• Is there family or care support available to help set up and maintain the equipment?

• Is it being used to benefit the person or the carer? Will it reduce care calls and therefore potentially reduce social interactions?

• Will the equipment remove some elements of independence by completing tasks they may still be capable of doing themselves?

• Will the device affect the persons privacy, particularly if it monitors movements or uses cameras? There must be a balance between a person’s safety and imposing restrictions on freedom.

• How will information from a device be stored, and what measures are in place to protect confidentiality?

• Will the equipment increase anxiety if the person is unsure how it works or concerned about activating an alarm?

Solutions

As dementia is a progressive condition, it can be difficult to know what to put in place when, as some measures may only be helpful for a short period of time. It is beneficial to implement solutions in the earlier stages of dementia, as this can enable the person to maintain independence for longer. Additionally, it may become more difficult for a person to learn and adapt to new ways of completing tasks as their dementia progresses to later stages.

Simple Changes

Prior to purchasing new equipment and devices, first consider whether the persons environment can be made more “dementia-friendly” using simple adaptations and changes. This might involve de-cluttering, improving lighting, organising belongings, keeping frequently used and essential items visible and prominent, and implementing good routines and structures. You can find more tips on creating a dementia-friendly home environment in our previous blog, click here to read.

Memory Aids and Dementia-friendly Technology

If there are still areas of need after these changes have been made, it might be time to consider adaptive equipment or technology for additional support.

• Smart phones and tablet devices offer a variety of apps to set reminders and manage daily calendars.

• To help remember to take medication at the correct times, weekly blister packs can be requested from the pharmacy or medication boxes can be purchased, which can be pre-filled with correct dosages ready to be taken at the correct time/day. Alternatively, automated medication dispensers sound alarms when medication is required and restrict access to a particular timed dose.

• Easy-use technology may include clocks which display the day, date and time, reminder devices, voice-activated technology, simple pre-programmable telephones, easy to use TV remote controls and one-button radios.

• A wearable GPS tracker device can enable people to continue going out safely and independently. If lost, SOS can be pressed which connects to a carer’s smart phone or a monitored call-centre. These devices usually incorporate a falls sensor.

• Telecare is a service which includes a monitoring system and a wearable alarm. It can include a range of movement sensors around the house which trigger alarms after an incident e.g. a fall or leaving a room. The call centre can also be alerted by pressing the push button on the wearable device.

Home adaptations

Sometimes more significant changes may be necessary to enable a person to remain independent and safe at home, particularly where there are mobility issues. These can include grab rails in entrances, bathrooms and stairs; an easy access shower room; wider doorways or a stairlift if downstairs living is not an option. If eligible some grants are available for these, and some equipment may be provided following a home assessment from adult social care.

How to obtain equipment and telecare

A local authority community equipment service can be accessed by both the NHS and social care. In West Sussex, equipment is currently sourced through Millbrook and Telecare through NRS telecare. It is issued following a need assessment and subject to meeting eligibility criteria.

There is an initial charge for telecare support, followed by a weekly subscription payment. In some instances, it is provided on short term loan, and after this period you can choose to privately fund.

All equipment and telecare can also be sourced and funded privately. Mobility shops often have on-site technicians and sometimes Occupational therapists who can advise on the most appropriate equipment. It is also possible to request a private Occupational therapy assessment; registered therapists can be searched by speciality and location on www.rcotss-ip.org.uk/find. If purchasing privately, it is also important to ensure you are purchasing from a reputable company; check if they are registered with organisations like the British Healthcare Trader’s association.

The Adaptive living area at Sage House enables you to explore both new and tried-and-tested technologies that help people live well with dementia. Our experienced team will be happy to discuss your individual circumstances and support you find the right solution for you.