Unfortunately, dementia is one of those impairments that doesn’t have a cure.
This means that people that are impacted by it simply have to live with the symptoms the rest of their lives.
Many people with dementia become unable to care for themselves the way they once were able to. They forget things and often have poor judgment. This also often means they need a caregiver to help them.
However, there are certain innovations that can help those with dementia:
1. GPS tracking and location
This innovation allows the patient to wear a tracker so that if they are unable to find their way home, their caregiver can easily find them. The caregiver will also be able to monitor the patient as they move around the house and alert them if the person has wandered outside. (We encourage you to check out Project Lifesaver, which is offered in both Brunswick and New Hanover Counties).
2. Picture phones
Communication is often an issue for people suffering from dementia. This also means that they are also unable to call for help if there is an emergency. That’s where picture phones can help. These phones have large buttons with pictures of family, caregivers, and other important things that let the patient easily identify who they need to call.
3. Reminder messages
This can go a long way with helping a dementia patient because the caregiver can record a reminder and when it is time for the patient to do something, an alarm goes off and the reminder is played. This can be used to remind a patient to lock their door, take their medications, and more.
4. Robot caregivers
Caregivers are often overworked, but home care robots can help ease the overwhelm. These robots can remind a person with dementia to take their
medication, monitor the home when the caregiver isn’t able to, and even call for assistance if the patient isn’t well.
5. In-home cameras
These cameras allow the caregiver to monitor the patient in their home even if they aren’t actually at the home. Some cameras even have communication options where the caregiver can talk to the patient through the equipment to remind them of things they may have forgotten.
Takeaway
Dementia is hard to deal with, not just for the patient, but for caregivers as well. Finding ways like using the technology above, can help people with dementia live life as normally as possible for as long as possible.
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