Simple gadgets & personal alarms to help dementia patients
Recent dementia statistics predict that globally the number of people living with dementia will increase from 50 million in 2018 to 250m by 2050. At present, there are 850,000 people living with dementia in the United Kingdom alone. For information on how is dementia diagnosed in the elderly click here. Contrary to what some people believe, dementia is not a normal side effect of ageing and is not the same as Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is however one of the most common causes of dementia in the older population.
Dementia can make it difficult for sufferers to maintain a normal lifestyle. Although Dementia is still a very real struggle for people living with it, advancing technology and growing awareness surrounding it means that people are getting a better quality of life.
Dementia can be scary and overwhelming not only for the person but also for their loved ones. There are ways that you can make everyday life a little bit easier though and avoid panic. For example, they could use a dementia tracker watch or other security devices and gadgets that can help a person make better sense of their surroundings. We have put together a few suggestions on how gadgets for dementia patients can offer a lifeline those living with Dementia.
Can a clock really help a person living with dementia?
Now, this may seem like a simple suggestion however it can be one of the most helpful gadgets for dementia patients. A common symptom of Dementia is losing the ability to keep track of time and feeling anxious as a result. By placing a clear, large digital clock in an easily viewable location, they are able to better keep track of time so that they are able to maintain their daily routine and thus help to alleviate any anxiety or panic.
There are also specially designed clocks for those suffering from Dementia. They include large, clear text and display other information such as the day, the date, the weather and whether it is day or night. This can help them to quickly decipher the time of day and thus keep on track with their normal routine.
Have you tried a medication management system?
As a result of accelerated memory loss, people with dementia often have trouble remembering to take their medication. They may even take medication more than once if they forget that they have already done so. Both of these things can cause a serious threat to health in certain circumstances. In order to avoid this, you can now purchase a gadget for dementia patients called an automated pill dispensers.
Automated pill dispensers are devices that are programmed to automatically open at a certain time, making an audible noise as they do so, to remind people to take their pills. Other varieties of pill dispensers use an alarm system and vibrate to inform the patient that it is time to take their medication.
If you do not have access to one of these systems, you can also make a low-tech gadget for dementia patients like a simple pillbox at home marked with the day and time in order to help keep your loved ones on track.
Consider a GPS personal alarm for dementia patients to help
Memory loss is the most common symptom of dementia. This can cause sufferers to get lost, forgetting where they live or where they were going. An elderly personal alarm for dementia patients can help with this, especially if it is a watch worn personal alarm device that lets you talk directly to a person. This is a really helpful way of putting someone's mind at ease, especially if they need to be home alone sometimes.
Of course, when a person has dementia, you might panic about them going missing. The best personal alarm for dementia patients is one that has a GPS tracker for elderly, or indeed anyone who has a habit of wandering off.
Wearable GPS tracking devices such as a dementia tracker or a sure safe alarm with a mobile GPS tracker mean that your loved one can be easily located should they ever go missing or find themselves in an emergency situation. They offer a lifeline.
There are a lot of features on this type of alarm, it can still be used as a personal home alarm, but it can also use a mobile phone signal to send a text with its location. The fact that the wearer can use it to talk to a family member or a trained Response Centre Operator means that you will be able to help and reassure a loved one wherever they are.