People with dementia will experience various levels of difficulties in memory, orientation, perception and problem solving abilities. These deficits will in turn affect their ability to perform daily activities and may lead to safety problems.
The person with dementia may:
The fore mentioned problems may lead to decreased self confidence and affects the elder's quality of life. Family may become overly protective which may lead to tension between the elder and the family and increase the caregiver's burden. Application of technology can greatly increase the elder's independence, provide means for training and stimulation and decrease the chance of home accidents. Caregiver's stress can also be reduced. The following are some product suggestions which may be useful when caring for people with dementia.
Digital clock with date and time display functions - Contains information on date, time, weather etc to improve the elder's orientation to the surrounding environment and to avoid confusion.
The displayed content may be too complicated for the elder
Talking clock - Can enable an elder with visual problems to obtain orientation information. This will enable the elder to maintain contact with the environment and reduce confusion. Product is available in desk top, watch and key chain versions.
Since the elder may not be familiar with the product and will need to learn how to operate the device, it may not be suitable for people at the later stages of the disease.
Door contact reminder - Will remind the elder to take his/her wallet, keys or to turn off stove when the door is opened. Caregiver can record personalized messages based in the elder's needs.
Need to have a caregiver to record messages.
Automatic pill dispenser - Caregiver can set different pill dispensing time. An alarm will sound at the indicated time to remind the elder to take pills.
Some models will only issue alarms at different set intervals but will not indicate the right pills to take, therefore the elder will still need to identify the right slot in order to avoid taking the wrong pills.
Memory phone - Can store different phone numbers under a photo. The elder will just need to press the photo to dial a number.
Since the elder will need to master the operation method, this product may not be applicable for people at late stage.
Smart lock with finger prints access - The lock can be operated by finger print therefore no need to use key.
Since the elder will need to master the operation method, this product may not be applicable for people at late stage.
Toilet auto flush system - This device will automatically flush the toilet after use. This will prevent hygienic problem when the elder forgot to flush the toilet after use.
The elder may be frightened by the auto flush
Electric induction cooker: Can help to prevent fire accident.
Since the elder will need to master the operation method, this product may not be applicable for people at moderate or late stage.
Table top gas cooker with safety features - Has safety alarm, flame failure device and alarm which will prevent fire accidents caused by forgetfulness.
Will be difficult to operate if not familiar with the product
Electric water boiler - Boiler will shut off automatically after water is boiled. This will help to avoid fire accidents due to forgetfulness.
Since the elder will need to master the operation method, this product may not be applicable for people at moderate or late stage.
Water boiler and warmer - The boiler will change to keep warm mode after water is boiled. This will help to avoid fire accidents due to forgetfulness.
Since the elder will need to master the operation method, this product may not be applicable for people at moderate or late stage.
Smoke or carbon monoxide detector - The detector will issue an alarm when there is excessive smoke or gas leakage.
Some models operate with battery and will have false alarm when battery is low. The sound of the alarm may also frighten the elder.
Temperature modulated water heater - Will control water temperature to prevent the elder from scalding.
NIL.
Bed / chair sensor - The alarm will produce a sound to alarm the caregiver when the elder got out from his/her bed or chair. Some brands will allow the caregiver to record a personal message eg “Don't get up dad.”
Elder may feel that he / she was being monitored or felt loss of freedom. The alarm may also frighten the elder. Since the alarm will only sound when the elder's weight is completely off the bed / chair, there is still a slight chance of fall.
Night light - The light will light up automatically when dark. This will prevent the elder from falling in the dark. Caregiver can also install sensor light in dark corners to increase safety.
The light intensity may not be sufficient for the elder to see clearly.
GPS Phone, watch or mobile phone – These devices can track locations more than 10 meters in Hong Kong when the elder is getting lost, for example, Satellite-based positioning and telecommunications transmitters. They are suitable for the caregivers who cannot always stay with the elder. It can also support the elder’s independence while providing reassurance to the caregivers.
(Leila, Chan. (2018). Hong Kong Resource Map, 102 – 103.)
Since the elder will need to master the operation method, this product may not be applicable for people at moderate or late stage. Elder may also need assistance from the caregiver to recharge the battery.
Separation guard alarm and Bluetooth Device (with buckle) – Bluetooth can used to detect the locations within short distance. When the elder is carrying the Bluetooth Device, caregivers can use the device to detect the location within 10 meters. Apart from Bluetooth Device, if the caregivers can be able to stay at home with the elder, they can use infrared door and window sensor. The sensor can be installed on the door and window. It can sense the objects of the surroundings or when people try to touch it. It can transmit the signal to caregivers when the elder try to leave the house.
(Leila, Chan. (2018). Hong Kong Resource Map, 102 – 103.)
The alarm may not be audible in a crowded area. Will also need to replace the battery regularly.
Electronic pet - It will produce different movement and sound when touched. Electronic pet can provide companionship and facilitate the elder to perform different movement.
You can refer to the following website for the therapeutic benefits of Paro. http://www.parorobots.com
May need to change or recharge battery.
Bright light therapy Lamp - This lamp will emit non-harmful UV light. It claims to improve mood, sundowning syndrome and day night reversal problem.
Some elders may be annoyed by the light intensity or may not have sufficient attention span for the duration of the therapy. It is important to note that the light should not be placed directly in front of the elder's eyes to prevent discomfort.
Tablet PC - Can provide different cognitive games and leisure activities. In addition, touch screen monitor or enlarged switch for desk top computers will also be ease the elder to play games.
Some organizations who offers free online cognitive programs are listed below: Association for Engineering and Medical Volunteer Service (EMV) :c-rehab website http://crehab.emv.org.hk/ The Hong Kong Society for the Aged (SAGE): Love your Brain games http://www.loveyourbrain.org.hk/ Hong Kong Alzheimer's Disease Association (ADA) :Brain Health games (for IPAD only) http://itunes.apple.com/hk/app/liu-yi-zhi-qu/id455899706?mt=8
Elder may not be able to operate the tablet on his / her own and may need someone to assist.
Electronic photo frame: Caregiver can download different photos and videos onto the photo frame to stimulate the elder's interest.
NIL.
Sleep quality monitoring watch - This watch will enable the caregiver to monitor the elder's sleep quality. It is accompanied by a software that can analyze the elder's sleep pattern over time.
Elder may not like to wear the watch to sleep or felt that he / she is being monitored.
Web camera or Intelligent Housekeeping Technology (interactive video recording) – These devices can monitor the elder’s daily activity through a mobile phone or computer. Some of them require stable Wi-Fi connection. Caregivers can monitor if the elder leave home alone through a mobile phone or computer. They are suitable for the caregivers who needs to go out sometimes and the elder can stay at home alone without going out so far away.
(Leila, Chan. (2018). Hong Kong Resource Map, 102 – 103.)
Elder may felt being monitored or lost of freedom.