There has been a lot of studies done to support those living with dementia. Learn more about the latest technological advancements that may make it simpler for elderly people to remain in their own homes.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, there are around 850,000 people in the UK living with dementia, a statistic that is unlikely to decrease anytime soon. Many of these are people who are desperate to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.
With today’s better understanding of dementia patients’ needs, this is now more possible than ever, thanks to the superb selection of home care services accessible to older people who prefer the concept of receiving care in their own home as a method of maintaining their independence.
Allowing someone with dementia to remain in their own home provides a sense of comfort and safety. While a move may be made for all the right reasons, it can lead to confusion, panic, and even a worsening of symptoms. As a result, improvements that allow a person to remain at home can provide immense benefits to both the sufferer and their family.
To help with this, researchers are working on a slew of new digital advances that will help and monitor people’s live comfortably at home by continuously assessing a patient’s health. Here are our top picks for the most innovative new technology.
Robotics and AI
Robotics and artificial intelligence research is progressing at a breakneck speed. There are now gadgets that can continuously monitor an individual’s physical health and relay this information back to the carer via an app in real-time, in addition to flagging potential hazards in the home.
When combined with fast and responsive healthcare, this non-intrusive form of constant monitoring can provide a far higher level of independence.
Rapid advancements in this field have resulted in robotic gadgets that can warn someone with dementia about dangers such as liquid spills on the floor or an electrical appliance that is still turned on.
Also, changes like a higher body temperature or an altered gait could be early signs of infection or fall risk. The usual scenario of an elderly person with a urinary infection who remains untreated and ends up in the hospital may become obsolete.
The following are some of the most well-known technological advancements:
Sensors detect an individual’s movements in and around the home and alert a caregiver.
Reminder machines and talking clocks, such as those that remind people to take medication or switch off the gas.
Items that are frequently misplaced can benefit from location devices.
Individual location devices like watches and even shoe inner soles are available.
Mobile phones and remote controls with a restricted number of buttons have been simplified.
Early Tests for Infection
A simple test may be performed at home to check for common infections that can exacerbate dementia symptoms, and the results can be forwarded to the doctor almost once.
As technology progresses, it will become easier to test and diagnose at home, rather than making lengthy travels to the doctor’s office or hospital, allowing for faster diagnosis and resolution.
Tracking Changes in the Home
Unobtrusive technology could be installed in the patient’s home to track their daily activities and detect any changes in cognitive and memory function. Leaving a pan on the stove to boil dry, forgetting to eat or drink, or forgetting to turn off the gas or the television can all be readily identified and avoided before they become a problem. Any of the tests and observations listed above might be performed on a smartphone and uploaded electronically for quick evaluation.
Technology is constantly growing and increasing to assist individuals all over the world with various illnesses, disabilities, and degraded living circumstances. Finally, doctors, engineers, scientists, and tech specialists are teaming up in a multi-million-pound research initiative to help the UK Dementia Research Institute identify solutions that will allow people with dementia to live securely and joyfully at home with the help of assistive technologies.
As these technologies grow more prevalent, they will also become more affordable, increasing an individual’s chances of being independent and safe for a longer period of time.
Care and Tech Innovations Go Hand in Hand
Of course, no amount of technology can replace the feeling of safety and security that comes with being cared for by another human being, and if dementia is advanced and the patient wishes to remain at home, there will always be a need for home care services to assist. But there’s little doubt that as technology advances, families and caregivers will be able to respond earlier if changes or illnesses are noticed, preventing the old person from having to travel to the hospital.
Remote care allows an individual to remain at home alone while providing family and caregivers with greater peace of mind knowing their loved one is living in a more secure and happy environment.
