Technology has added previously unbelievable ways to save time, enjoy convenience, and stay connected in our daily lives. A surprising way it serves us is by helping aid dementia patient care.
While it may not be apparent, dementia care and technology mesh beautifully. New technological innovations can add comfort, health and contentment to dementia patients. Here are some of the ways tech and dementia care intersect.
Assistive Technologies for Daily Living
Certain tech products are integral to helping dementia patients maintain their independence and live safely in their homes for longer. Three examples of these are:
- Smart home systems
Automating daily living tasks like turning off the stove, enabling the alarm system, and turning on the outside lights save dementia patients from having to remember (mitigating safety and security concerns). - Reminder apps
Alarms that remind patients to take their medicine, for example, ensure they stay healthy. - Wearables
Watches and other wearables can monitor the patient’s vital signs, monitor their movements, and provide location tracking.
Cognitive Stimulation and Training
Technology offers numerous ways for dementia patients to exercise their minds and, hopefully, slow their cognitive decline.
- Braining-training applications
These apps provide engaging exercises that help enhance the patient’s memory, attention span, and problem-solving skills. - Virtual reality (VR)
This may sound far-fetched, but VR can help patients maintain memories and connections to loved ones. VR can “transport” them to familiar environments that trigger cognitive responses. - Interactive games
Played with other people, these games give people with dementia a social outlet and provide mental stimulation.
Communication and Social Connection
Social isolation is a sad byproduct of the disease. Tech can help. Video-call software and other communication apps make it easy for the person to stay connected to the ones they love, so they can talk, laugh, and listen to others.
Monitoring and Safety
Keeping a person diagnosed with dementia safe is a top priority, and technology plays an essential role.
- GPS tracking
Wandering dementia patients can be tracked in real time. - Smart home sensors
These sensors can notify caregivers if there are changes in the person’s behavior patterns. - Wearables
Panic buttons and fall alerts can be included on a person’s wearable device.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations
Privacy concerns and data security must always be included in any tech development that serves dementia patients. These should be part of every innovation to protect the patient’s dignity and independence.
Future Trends and Innovations
When it comes to how technology intersects with dementia patient care, we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg. Recent developments may greatly benefit patients. Robotics, for example, may eventually provide companionship and help with daily tasks. AI algorithms may be able to detect dementia earlier than ever before.
Using technology in caring for dementia patients is an exciting and constantly-evolving trend. And, while these changes are valuable, we can’t ever minimize, or completely replace, the importance of the human element in care.
Trust Diamondback Health and Memory Care’s Desert Diamond Memory Pavilion to offer the best dementia care available to you or your loved ones. Learn more about our Montessori-inspired lifestyle today.