How Assistive Technology Helps People with Dementia

Caring for someone with dementia poses many challenges. Some of the most significant challenges are maintaining the senior’s connections with family members and friends, keeping the person with dementia aware of what he or she needs to do on a daily basis, and ensuring his or her safety. Fortunately, assistive technology has come a long way in meeting these needs.

Communications 

Some cell phones can be set up with multiple alarms to remind seniors of different tasks, medication and appointment reminders. And some cell phones enable caregivers to monitor and assist their senior loved one remotely.

In addition, the RAZ Memory Cell Phone is a one-touch phone that will accommodate photos of up to six people the senior may want to call so there is no need to remember phone numbers. Just a tap on the image places the call!

There is also a single button to call 911.

The phone can be remotely managed by a caregiver through a simple app or online portal. The caregiver can create and edit contacts, send reminders to the senior, set up hours during which the senior cannot place calls, track the location of the phone, and check the phone’s battery power or signal strength. The phone can also be set up to prevent unwanted robocalls. Video calling systems enable caregivers, relatives and friends to call their senior loved one with no action required by the senior to receive and answer the call.

The ViewClix Smart Frame device can be set up with auto-answer, and is always on. It displays photos and allows for video chatting. A list of names and email addresses of people authorized to call can be compiled. Family members or caregivers can remotely manage assistive technology from any web browser.

The Echo Show (2nd generation) has a 10.1” screen and premium Dolby speakers, enabling video calls, music streaming, access to books, videos, movies and TV shows.

And because these devices are plugged in all the time, the senior doesn’t have to remember to recharge them.

This article in DigitalTrends shows how to do a drop in call on Echo devices.

Alexa voice-activated devices also provide information and entertainment for seniors. For example:

• The day and time
• Music, audiobooks, news, weather
• Jokes and riddles
• An information resource on a wide range of topics

Smart Sensors

These are devices connected to the Internet that share data. The data these sensors collect can be instantly analyzed to detect and report signs of problems to caregivers. A smart stove automatically shuts off when the kitchen is empty. Assistive technology can offer a number of functions: they can control climate, monitor electrical appliance use, and detect fire, flooding and carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide levels. Motion sensors can also turn on lights to help prevent falls.

Feedback from these systems can be sent directly to caregivers or to a system call center.

Wandering

Wandering is a concern for people with dementia. There are a growing number of devices to track this behavior.

One example of a smart sensor is the WiFi door and window alarm, TESSAN Smart Window Contact Sensor.

This assistive technology is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and is designed to monitor the open or closed status of any entrance in the home.

The sensor is programmable to include turning on smart wall switches or lights when a door is opened, automatically turning off an air conditioner if a window is opened. The device can be shared with family members to receive notifications.

Camera Systems and Movement Monitoring

These systems can enable caregivers and family members to monitor senior movements within the home via a smartphone. Cameras can be positioned in more potentially hazardous areas, such as stairs or in the kitchen.

One system is the Alarm.com Indoor Wireless Fixed IP Camera.

Some Alarm.com cameras are fixed and some have pan and tilt features. Other options include a third camera for use indoors or outdoors with night vision capability.

There is other technology that helps monitor movements.

AngelSense is a GPS locator that attaches to clothing or waistbands, using safety lock pins.

The AngelSense app is the control center for the device. A few of its features include:

• Set up virtual fences
• Regular GPS location updates
• Custom alerts
• Current location

In addition, caregivers or family members can speak directly to the senior or set off an audible alarm that enables locating the senior if he or she is nearby. The device also has an “SOS” button the wearer can use in case of an emergency.

For more information on how technology can help with dementia, visit Bethesda’s Health & Wellness blog.