Carent communities can help you consider which tech solution might be best for your situation and there are specialist social media forums dedicated to this topic (#techfordementia)
Here are five tools which are popular amongst carents and are readily available through online marketplaces, digital stores and dementia charities.
1. Dementia Clocks
Confusion about time can be a problem for adults living with dementia —whether it’s the day of the week or distinguishing between morning and night. Dementia clocks are designed to address this issue by providing a clear and simple display of not just the time, but also the time of day (e.g., morning, afternoon, evening, or night). This can help ease confusion and anxiety, particularly for those who wake up disoriented.
These clocks typically feature large, easy-to-read fonts, and often include the date, day of the week, with varying display options. Some even come with alarms or reminders for daily tasks such as meals or medications.
2. Simple-Use Phones and Tablets
Whilst staying connected with family and friends is vital, traditional phones or tablets can often be too difficult to use. Fortunately, there are phones and tablets specifically designed for ease of use. They usually have simpler screens, fewer and larger buttons or icons and some can be programmed to feature a smaller and specially selected range of contacts or apps.
3. Smart Homes and Smart Devices
Smart home technology can be a powerful way to manage daily tasks and ensure a safer environment for those living with dementia. Carents can remotely control things like heating, lighting, and home security.
Voice-operated virtual assistants, such as Amazon Alexa or Google Echo, can also help – they can answer questions, give specific reminders, and control smart home systems through simple voice commands.
4. In-Home Cameras
In-home cameras can allow you to monitor a home remotely, ensuring that everything is safe and running smoothly. Depending on the camera, you can track different aspects of home security. For example, some cameras provide live feeds, so you can check in visually whenever necessary, while others are motion-activated, sending alerts if there’s unexpected movement.
There are also cameras designed to integrate with door security systems, alerting you when someone enters or leaves the house.
Many cameras are equipped with two-way audio, so you can communicate directly through the device, providing reassurance or assistance as needed.
While some carents worry about privacy concerns others value the reassurance and contact these cameras can provide.
5. Automated Reminders
Automated reminders are a simple but highly effective way to prompt medicines, meals and other essential activities. Devices such as pill dispensers or smartwatches can be programmed to provide reminders – visual or audio – at specific times .
Many of these systems are flexible and can be adjusted remotely through an app.
