Living with dementia magazine June 2011

Dementia can make day-to-day life more difficult. Things easily done such as mislaying items in the house, forgetting to turn off the taps or leaving the gas on can cause frustration and create hazards. However, there are products that can help to make life easier for people with dementia and carers

For many people with dementia, being supported to remain independent and continue living at home for as long as possible is key to their quality of life.  Assistive technology products are aimed at doing just that.

Assistive technologies range from simple everyday items such as two-handed cups and easy-grip cutlery to more sophisticated telecare systems which use sensors to detect floods, extreme temperatures and falls. These sensors are linked via a telephone line to a call centre. The system monitors a person's activities and, if a problem occurs, triggers an alarm to a relative, keyholder or call centre.

As dementia affects everyone differently, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to assistive technology. A voice announcer reminding people to take their keys or lock the door when they leave the house, for example, may help some people but for others it may cause confusion.

The key to the success of assistive technology is to choose products carefully to ensure that they suit the individual. A thorough assessment involving the person with dementia, carer and other professionals who understand the person's needs is vital in order for the equipment to make a real difference.

It is also important to bear in mind that some people with dementia may not like seeing new equipment in their home as it may remind them of their memory problems, so assistive technology is not the answer for everyone.

Meeting needs

Brian Longman was a former carer and chairman of Alzheimer's Society in Croydon and is now a telecare co-ordinator working with the AZTEC Centre in Croydon. The centre allows people with dementia and carers to browse assistive technology products and receive expert advice on the type of products that would suit their needs. In Brian's experience an appropriate piece of technology has the potential to change lives for the better. It can enable people to stay in their own homes for longer and help prevent unplanned hospital admissions.

At the AZTEC Centre potential users of assistive technology go through a thorough assessment process to ensure the product matches their needs.

Brian says,

'When looking at the type of technology to use the most important factor is understanding the person's situation and then assessing that situation to find the right equipment to help solve the problem. Technology certainly doesn't replace people but it can enhance the care already provided and reduce stress and tension for carers.'

For example, Brian says that a sensor which detects the front door opening at night can help keep a person with dementia safe and give their carer peace of mind. He says,

'Telecare can give people more independence and reduce the pressure on carers and families to be with the person 24 hours a day. It can also give carers a little bit of time to relax.'

Brian emphasises the importance of assessing people with dementia along their journey, as some products may become inappropriate as symptoms progress.

Complementing care

While ensuring technology suits the needs of the person, it is also important to make sure the products available are appropriate for people with dementia. Barbara Dunk is an occupational therapy consultant for assistive technology at the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust. Barbara's work includes assessing the type of products that are appropriate for people with dementia.

She says,

'We are looking at technologies that look as normal and simple as possible and adapt easily to the existing environment. The technology should improve the existing living arrangements. Many environmental sensors are very useful for maintaining independence.'

Gas sensors, for example, can enable people to use gas cookers safely to prepare their own meals, which may mean they can continue living independently in their own homes.

Barbara emphasises, however, that no piece of technology, however advanced, could or should replace the support of a person. She says,

'Assistive technology should never be offered without seeing how it would fit into the person's whole care package. You have to think about the person's need for human contact and support so I would never advocate equipment over a person. Assistive technology is there to enhance and support care, not to replace it.'

The Society's view

The Society's new public policy position paper on assistive technology was published in May. It sets out our view on the benefits and limitations of assistive technology and recommendations for the future. These include the need for better public and professional awareness of assistive technology, improved access to products, for example local authorities hiring products so people can try before they buy, and more research into assistive technology to assess its efficacy in improving quality of life and maintaining independence.

Our free Assistive technology factsheet (437) has information on the type of products available, steps to think about it you think you could benefit and a list of useful organisations to contact. See alzheimers.org.uk/assistivetechnology where you can also read the new position paper. Our online shop has a small range of products for sale. Please visit alzheimers.org.uk/shop