Key points

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.

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Product for orientationProvide orientation cues to ease time orientation deficits.Expand
Digital clock

Function of the product:

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.

Limitation

The displayed content may be too complicated for the elder

Supplier information

  • Oregon Scientific
  • Different clock and watch suppliers

Talking clock

Function of the product:

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.

Limitation

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.

Supplier information

  • Hong Kong society for the blind
  • Different electronic products supplier
Product to support memory lossProvide different reminders to supplement memory deficits such as assisting the elder to find personal items or to improve independence in self care.Expand
Door contact reminder

Function of the product:

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.

Limitation

Need to have a caregiver to record messages.

Supplier information

  • Different electronic products supplier such as shops in Apliu street.

Automatic pill dispenser

Function of the product:

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.

Limitation

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.

Supplier information

  • Jockey Club Cadenza Hub
  • Health Castle Limited

Memory phone

Function of the product:

Memory phone - Can store different phone numbers under a photo. The elder will just need to press the photo to dial a number.

Limitation

Since the elder will need to master the operation method, this product may not be applicable for people at late stage.

Supplier information

  • Jockey Club Cadenza Hub
  • Health Castle Limited

Smart lock

Function of the product:

Smart lock with finger prints access - The lock can be operated by finger print therefore no need to use key.

Limitation

Since the elder will need to master the operation method, this product may not be applicable for people at late stage.

Supplier information

  • Samsung
  • Different door lock supplier

Toilet auto flush system

Function of the product:

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.

Limitation

The elder may be frightened by the auto flush

Supplier information

  • Different bathroom appliance suppliers
Product for home safetyTargets safety problems which are related to decreased memory and judgment. Different products can support the elder's independence while maintaining his/her self confidence.Expand
Electric induction cooker

Function of the product:

Electric induction cooker: Can help to prevent fire accident.

Limitation

Since the elder will need to master the operation method, this product may not be applicable for people at moderate or late stage.

Supplier information

  • Different appliances supplier

Table top gas cooker with safety features

Function of the product:

Table top gas cooker with safety features - Has safety alarm, flame failure device and alarm which will prevent fire accidents caused by forgetfulness.

Limitation

Will be difficult to operate if not familiar with the product

Supplier information

  • Town Gas (TGC)

Electric water boiler

Function of the product:

Electric water boiler - Boiler will shut off automatically after water is boiled. This will help to avoid fire accidents due to forgetfulness.

Limitation

Since the elder will need to master the operation method, this product may not be applicable for people at moderate or late stage.

Supplier information

  • Different electric appliance supplier

Water boiler and warmer

Function of the product:

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.

Limitation

Since the elder will need to master the operation method, this product may not be applicable for people at moderate or late stage.

Supplier information

  • Different electric appliance supplier

Smoke or carbon monoxide detector

Function of the product:

Smoke or carbon monoxide detector - The detector will issue an alarm when there is excessive smoke or gas leakage.

Limitation

Some models operate with battery and will have false alarm when battery is low. The sound of the alarm may also frighten the elder.

Supplier information

  • Different electric appliance supplier
  • Different fire equipment supplier

Temperature modulated water heater

Function of the product:

Temperature modulated water heater - Will control water temperature to prevent the elder from scalding.

Limitation

NIL.

Supplier information

  • Town Gas (TGC)
  • Different electric appliance suppliers

Bed / chair sensor

Function of the product:

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.”

Limitation

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.

Supplier information

  • Medisource company
  • L F Asia (Hong Kong) Limited

Night light

Function of the product:

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.

Limitation

The light intensity may not be sufficient for the elder to see clearly.

Supplier information

  • Different lighting supplier

GPS phone or watch

Function of the product:

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.)

Limitation

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.

Supplier information

  • Senior Citizen Home Safety Association
  • OKLINK

Separation guard alarm

Function of the product:

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.)

Limitation

The alarm may not be audible in a crowded area. Will also need to replace the battery regularly.

Supplier information

  • Different electronic products supplier such as shops in Apliu street.
Product for training and activitiesLack of activities can intensify cognitive deterioration and lower motivation which will indirectly lead to emotional or behavioral problem. Suitable activity can provide cognitive training, increase self confidence and enhance quality of life. Caregiver can also accompany the elder to do the activity to facilitate relationship building.Expand
Electronic pet

Function of the product:

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

Limitation

May need to change or recharge battery.

Supplier information


Bright light therapy Lamp

Function of the product:

Bright light therapy Lamp - This lamp will emit non-harmful UV light. It claims to improve mood, sundowning syndrome and day night reversal problem.

Limitation

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.

Supplier information


Tablet PC

Function of the product:

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

Limitation

Elder may not be able to operate the tablet on his / her own and may need someone to assist.

Supplier information

  • Different computer suppliers - Neurosky Hong Kong Ltd (for Focus Pocus) - Jockey Club Cadenza Hub(for Focus Pocus) - EMV (for enlarged switch)

Electronic photo frame

Function of the product:

Electronic photo frame: Caregiver can download different photos and videos onto the photo frame to stimulate the elder's interest.

Limitation

NIL.

Supplier information

  • Different electronic product suppliers
Product for caregiverAssist to monitor the elder or collects health informationExpand
Sleep quality monitoring watch

Function of the product:

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.

Limitation

Elder may not like to wear the watch to sleep or felt that he / she is being monitored.

Supplier information

  • Actiwatch Bio-Lynx scientific equipment Inc.

Web camera

Function of the product:

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.)

Limitation

Elder may felt being monitored or lost of freedom.

Supplier information

  • PCCW easy watch service - Different electronic product supplier