Dementia and Assistive Technology
Assistive Technology can benefit people with dementia as well as their caregivers in many ways:
- Minimize burden and time invested by the caregiver
- Increase competency, fulfillment, and quality of life for person with dementia and the caregiver
- Increase safety for the person with dementia and peace of mind for the caregiver
AT help with memory, cognitive, and personality
Reminder Rosie
Voice Recorder
- Reduce clutter in drawers, on counter tops, etc.
- Limit overstimulation and simplify environment
- Use labels and have designated places for all personal items
- Use high contrast to make items easier to locate
- Implement consistent and predictable routines
- Incorporate preferred activities into the day and routine
AT can help with impairments to communication
Memory picture phone
Assistive Access (iPhone)
Echo Show 15
ViewClix
AT can help to monitor or decrease wandering
- Add in a daily hobby or activity of interest at times the person tends to wander
- Keep routine consistent, and limit overstimulation to reduce anxiety that may lead to wandering
- Ensure all basic needs are met and person is not in pain as this can lead to wandering
- Put a STOP sign or posters on external doors
- Place felt cover on internal doors to keep person from going into unsafe rooms
- Speak with trusted neighbors about risk for wandering so they can help monitor if needed
Theora Care watch
Life 360 App or Location sharing
AT can help with coordination, mobility, and reducing fall risk
Lift Chair
PERS System
- Remove clutter
- Remove loose rugs, cords, or other tripping hazards
- High contrast furniture, i.e., lighter chair on a darker background/floor
- Use non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen
- Encourage person to wear non-slip socks or comfortable shoes around the house
- Install good lighting throughout the home
- Avoid patterns
AT can help with impairments to Activities of Daily Living
- Incorporate ADL tasks into the daily routine completed at the same time each day
- Declutter and simplify the kitchen, closets, and drawers
- Use labels for all items throughout the home
- Have pre-prepped meals in the fridge and clearly labeled
- Ensure all basic needs are met to reduce anxiety, restlessness, or wandering
- Simplify clothing closets/drawers and transition to Velcro closures, pull over tops, and elastic waistbands
Brava smart oven
Dose Health
We have a video tutorial that we will putting in this space soon, so please check back periodically.
In the meantime, we have two resources available that you are free to download.