Introduction:
A variety of assistive technologies are now available to help dementia patients remain independent and safe at home longer.
These innovative devices and smart home systems are designed to support memory, mobility, communication, and daily tasks.
Learning how to thoughtfully choose and properly implement technologies tailored to your loved one’s needs is crucial.
Thoroughly Assess Specific Needs:
Consider your loved one’s unique challenges and areas where technology could help overcome difficulties.
For example, do they struggle most with memory lapses, safety risks, communication problems, or lack of social interaction?
Involve your loved one in choosing technologies to ensure their comfort and ease using new devices.
Consulting an occupational therapist to conduct a comprehensive in-home needs assessment can provide valuable guidance on tailored options.
Explore the Full Range of Assistive Technology Options:
Smartphones, automated pill dispensers, picture phones, wearable GPS trackers, home monitoring systems with sensors and cameras, fall detection devices, medication reminder systems, voice-activated smart speakers and more are just some of the assistive technologies now available.
Take time to research and select devices that are simple and intuitive for your loved one to understand and use independently. Avoid overly complex technologies if possible.
Ease Your Loved One Into Using Any New Technologies:
Don’t overwhelm them by introducing too many new assistive devices all at once.
Start with one new technology, provide clear instructions and guidance on proper use, allow time to adjust to incorporating it into daily routines, and then add another.
Be understanding if they struggle initially.
Demonstrate patience and celebrate small successes using the technologies to motivate continued progress.
Evaluate Costs and Budget for Assistive Technologies:
Some assistive devices and smart home systems can be quite expensive depending on the features, while more basic technologies may be affordable.
Consider purchasing the essential technologies first, then gradually adding others as your budget allows over time.
Check if any portion of costs may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid or other assistance programs. Also, search for sales on assistive devices or discounted refurbished items.
Partner Closely With Healthcare Providers:
Ask doctors, home health aides, nurses and other professionals involved in your loved one’s care to demonstrate and reinforce how to appropriately use assistive technologies during their visits.
Keep them well-informed about which devices your loved one relies on so they can incorporate them into care plans and watch for any issues.
Maintain and Update Technologies Over Time:
Check periodically that assistive devices are still fully functional, batteries are charged, and settings like medication alerts are programmed correctly.
As your loved one’s needs change, reevaluate whether current technologies are still appropriate and helpful, or if introducing new devices would be beneficial.
Also, remove systems no longer being utilized.
Encourage Ongoing Use for Maximum Benefit:
- Gaining consistent compliance with utilizing assistive technologies can take time and effort.
- Gently remind and encourage your loved one to use devices supporting their health, safety and independence daily.
- Be positive when praising progress to help motivate them to engage with and embrace technologies.
Conclusion:
Implementing assistive technologies tailored specifically to your loved one’s needs takes research, training, patience and ongoing maintenance.
But when chosen thoughtfully and used properly, these innovative devices and smart home systems can help dementia patients retain their abilities longer while remaining safe at home.