Technology has and still is making a lot of difference in the world of those that suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia. Many believe it is the key to finding out what is the underlying cause of the disease. Dementia effects millions around the world, and so is a priority to treat. Whether in managing behaviours in a non-pharmacological fashion, engaging loved ones with Alzheimer’s, monitoring loved ones from a distance, or creating a secure and safe environment, technology has offered so much in providing effective and efficient tools that do not only target people with Alzheimer’s but those that look after them as well.
Maximising functioning and independence
Alzheimer’s is a disease that can cause loss of memory, thinking, as well as reasoning skills. It seriously affects the ability of the patient to carry out his daily activities as he no longer remembers to do the things that he used to do before. The healthcare costs for Alzheimer’s can be costly and will even triple in figures for those that suffer from it who are 65 or above.
It is such a welcome thought to know that technology now provides a lot of possibilities for people that suffer from the condition. It also offers the same great news to people that look after these patients. Technology allows for the independence of the patients to be maximised whole at the same time, improves their quality of life, reduce symptoms of neuropsychiatry, as well as reduce the burden of the caregiver.
Monitoring technology
Video monitoring technology has a variety of applications both in care facilities and in homes. They have also been shown to help relieve the stress not only for the patient but for the caregiver as well.
The technology supports not just the care recipient but the caregiver as well. It provides content for the discussions of appropriate and tailored fit care plans that professionals can implement to ensure that care recipients are getting what they require. At the same time, it also ensures faster feedback for the caregiver. Among the available video monitoring technology that is present today include sensors of bed occupancy, medication reminders, detectors for extreme temperature, CO detectors, flood detectors, enuresis sensors, as well as exit sensors.
Safety technology
Technologies that are designed for safety are aimed at protecting the patient. It is also designed to help provide constant surveillance, prevent accidental exits, as well as prevent injuries. These devices include wearable ID devices, medication organisers, door security bars, location technology, window sensors, as well as touch pad locks.
Technology is now taking a prominent place in the area of providing care for people that suffer from dementia and Alzheimer’s. It provides the tools not only to help those that suffer from the condition but to also make life easier and more convenient for the people that look after them. As new advancements are constantly being offered in the field, it is expected that it will only get better and be more effective in the future.
Learn more about Alzheimer’s and how to better manage it with the use of technology from expert Baroness Susan Greenfield. More information about the brain and consciousness can be found on the Susan Greenfield website.