The rising number of people living with dementia – and the limited number of professional carers available – puts ever more tremendous pressure on families and unpaid carers. Although it is a distressing and challenging condition, a diagnosis of dementia does not necessarily mean that a person can no longer live well and independently. Assistive technology can help support and enable people to live fulfilling lives as their dementia progresses by assisting them in caring for themselves, staying safe, and continuing to participate in everyday activities. It can also help carers to provide the right level of support and to manage some of the more challenging aspects of caring. But understanding what is available and what might work for you can be a minefield – and until now, there has been no authoritative, comprehensive guide for carers who want to use technology to support people with dementia. This guide is intended to address that gap. It focuses on the technology that is likely to be most beneficial for someone in the early stages of dementia who is still living at home, alone or with others – although many of the products described may well benefit people at other stages of the condition and in residential care. We have worked closely with health and care professionals, assistive technology suppliers and charities to compile a list of products and develop formal guidance where needed. Our approach to the guide is to offer advice and information based on our experience; we have considered the views and experiences of people with dementia and carers, both in the preparation of the guide and in our practice. We hope the guide will help to empower carers and people with dementia and that it will become an essential resource to support a shared, informed approach to the use of technology in dementia.
Overview of Innovative Technology Tools
When used purposefully, technology can be an invaluable aid in the care of dementia patients. A wide range of technology tools are available to assist individuals with dementia. Many of these technological advancements are devoted to making life safer, easier and more enjoyable for the affected individuals and their caregivers. The types of technology tools available can be classified into several categories based on what they are designed to do, including safety and security devices, telehealth and remote monitoring, memory and cognitive aids, sensory and stimulative equipment, leisure and recreational technology, and training and support for care staff.
Safety and security devices include alarms if the individual wanders from the home, motion sensors to indicate a person is out of bed or has moved within the house, and relay systems so that an individual's location can be pinpointed in an emergency. Telehealth and remote monitoring technology can record vital statistics such as blood pressure and heart rate and transmit information to a health service. This can allow the person to be cared for in their own home, avoiding the need for admission to the hospital.
Leisure and recreational technology include simple pleasures such as listening to music, looking at pictures, or watching a favourite film. Scrolling memory prompts contain everyday reminders and nudge-type memory aids found in manual logs and diaries. Light boxes can be used to help with cognitive disorientations and can improve the body's internal clock.
There is much focus on training and supporting care staff, using even more technological tools, such as e-learning or digital training aids, which provide intravenous knowledge and training instructions. This variety of technology tools available means that different things will work for other individuals. The person's needs and preferences and the type of dementia must be considered when selecting the most appropriate technology. Every case may be different; therefore, a person-centred assessment of each person's capabilities and needs should be carried out before any technology is recommended.
Modern technology is constantly evolving and being developed, and continued research into the use and effectiveness of technology in dementia care is essential. Innovative technology tools can serve as a bridge to better understanding and provide professionals with improved data to drive future care planning and strategies. Technology can address safety concerns and help better understand the biological changes happening in the brain. It also encourages and allows for person-centred care rather than the one-size-fits-all approach.
Lastly, technology can be invaluable for family members and caregivers by providing reassurance through remote monitoring and tracking technology and offering resources and support day or night through online platforms and support services. With the help of dedicated and innovative technology tools, people with dementia can achieve an independent, active, and fulfilled lifestyle. This is a significant factor in ensuring the dignity and well-being of people with dementia. Most importantly, technology can support what so many caregivers and care services seek, i.e., to deliver person-centred, high-quality, and cost-effective care.
Implementing Technology in Dementia Care
Once the technology has been chosen, the next step is to ensure proper technology integration into the care provided. This means that staff needs to be trained to use the technology. To maximize the utility of the technology, it would be best to incorporate the training sessions into scheduled training days. To make the best of the training sessions, it might be beneficial to start with having a smaller group of staff trained to allow the trainers to visit the care home and provide flexible, hands-on support. Once the trainers are familiar with the technology, they can quickly cascade their knowledge to other staff within the care home. Furthermore, staff may require some time to familiarize themselves with the new procedures or routines that have been put in place due to the technology. Therefore, it is essential to constantly assess and review how the technology is being used and look for potential improvement areas. The champions that have been identified might help with this process. They can work with staff and residents to ensure they are well supported and highlight any issues with management so that appropriate measures can be implemented. Finally, it is essential to note that technology is not static and it continuously evolves. As such, any investment in technology should be part of an ongoing review of the care provision and its alignment with the philosophy of the care home. This means that managers and staff are encouraged to keep themselves up-to-date with the available technology and share about any new and innovative ways in which technology can be used. By working together and embracing technology, it is possible to create modern, open, and forward-thinking dementia care services.
Benefits and Challenges of Using Technology in Dementia Care
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the potential benefits of utilizing innovative technology tools in dementia care. These tools have proven to be incredibly beneficial in improving the quality of life for individuals with dementia, as well as easing the burden on their caregivers. However, along with these benefits, caregivers face significant challenges when implementing and using technology in dementia care. These challenges can range from technological barriers, such as difficulty understanding and operating complex devices, to emotional challenges, such as resistance from individuals with dementia to using unfamiliar technology. Despite these challenges, caregivers must embrace and utilize technology in dementia care, as it can significantly enhance the well-being and independence of individuals with dementia. By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, caregivers can ensure that they can fully harness the potential benefits of technology in dementia care, ultimately improving the lives of caregivers and individuals with dementia. In addition, technology can also provide valuable support and resources for caregivers, offering access to online communities, educational materials, and remote monitoring systems. These resources can help caregivers connect with others facing similar challenges, learn new caregiving strategies, and receive assistance and guidance from professionals in the field. Furthermore, remote monitoring systems can provide caregivers with peace of mind by allowing them to monitor the safety and well-being of their loved ones with dementia even when they are not physically present. This can help alleviate the stress and worry that caregivers often experience, knowing that they can easily check in on their loved ones and respond quickly in case of any emergencies or changes in their condition.
Technology is crucial in improving the overall caregiving experience for individuals with dementia and their families by providing caregivers with reassurance and support.
However, the use of technology in dementia care also presents its challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main benefits of incorporating technology into dementia care is the potential to enhance communication and reduce social isolation among individuals with dementia. In addition to improving communication, technology can provide valuable cognitive stimulation and entertainment for individuals with dementia. This can help to improve their quality of life and overall well-being.
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