September is World Alzheimer’s Month, with World Alzheimer’s Day taking place on September 21st.
In Ireland, over 64,000 people live with the dementia and that figure is set to more than double to over 150,000 in the next 25 years. While care plays a crucial role, maintaining independence remains important for people living with Alzheimer’s. One potential form of support that those who live with Alzheimer’s can assess is assistive technology.
But what is assistive technology in relation to Alzheimer’s? Here, we explain exactly that and how it can support people.
What Is Assistive Technology for Alzheimer’s?
So, what is assistive technology for Alzheimer’s?
First and foremost, it’s any technology designed to maintain and improve a person’s independence and safety each day. Assistive technology can range from relatively simple aids and reminders through to monitoring, communication and safety systems.
The right type of assistive technology will be chosen with the input of healthcare professionals, as needs will change from person to person. But, as we said, the main goal is to give people improved independence and safety.
Supporting Safety and Reassurance
One of the main and often “unseen” benefits of assistive technology is how it can provide additional support without unnecessarily reducing a person’s independence or impeding their life.
Taking many forms, assistive technology can help those living with Alzheimer’s in everyday life. Whether they’re living independently, being supported at home or living in residential care, there are options available for every circumstance.
Potential areas assistive technology can be utilised in include:
- Fall detection and fall management technology
- Personal alarms and access to assistance
- Reminders and alerts
- Monitoring where appropriate
- Providing reassurance to family members and carers
In each case, it’s important to remember that this technology can potentially act as an additional layer of support rather than a replacement for care. That’s because care will dictate how the person should be supported, and assistive technology may well be part of that.
As assistive technology already exists, its benefits are known to leading healthcare facilities and their residents. Monitoring, alarms and fall detection technology all provide a sense of independence, giving people the freedom to safely go about their day without feeling restricted.
Supporting Freedom of Movement with Demetia
Perhaps the greatest gift assistive technology offers a person with Alzheimer’s is the opportunity to move freely. The likes of fall detection and fall management technology can add a layer of comfort for both the person and their carer, helping to manage risks while avoiding unnecessary restrictions.
Wandering is another common concern that assistive technology can help address. Technology such as ResidentGuard operates in the background to support greater freedom within appropriate areas while providing care teams with alerts where required. If the person with Alzheimer’s is a resident of a care home, they can wear a discreet wrist transmitter or tag that allows them to move freely while ensuring they don’t exit monitored doors. Furthermore, these transmitters detect when a resident is near a protected exit and will alert staff, allowing for the opportunity to ensure their safety.
It’s also worth noting that technology such as ResidentGuard can be implemented as a stand-alone or centralised wander alert system. It can be integrated with nurse call, access control, CCTV, and fall prevention systems so care facilities don’t have to go to the expense of installing new systems.
Continuing familiar routines is also an important part of Alzheimer’s management. For instance, people with Alzheimer’s still want to move around comfortably and make everyday choices, and assistive technology can play a valuable supporting role. Rather than changing how a person goes about their day, the right technology adds reassurance when it’s needed. Within residential care environments, for example, this could mean allowing residents to move more freely through appropriate areas rather than introducing unnecessary restrictions. In other settings, it may involve simple alerts, communication systems or monitoring technology that helps carers respond when assistance is required.
The important thing to remember is that this technology should suit the person and their routine, rather than expecting them to adapt to the technology.
How SVC Supports Alzheimer’s Care
Since 1994, SVC Care Communications has strived to provide and support care facilities with the latest healthcare technology. Given our experience, we understand that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to supporting people living with Alzheimer’s.
Knowing how environments and requirements differ, we can assess the individual care facility, building layout, existing infrastructure and current systems before recommending appropriate assistive technology.
By reviewing existing technology and infrastructure, our team can identify where additional support may be beneficial and the type of technology required to suit individual needs. Considering how requirements may change over time, we always plan for the future and will assess integrated solutions such as wander management, nurse call and fall management where appropriate. This is important as a well-planned system should also make sense for staff. After all, technology that works alongside existing systems should provide a more connected approach without adding unnecessary complexity to day-to-day routines.
In recommending assistive technology, we’re also mindful that it shouldn’t impose on or dominate a person’s day. In many cases, the technology’s value comes from being discreet, unobtrusive and there when it’s needed most. For someone living with Alzheimer’s, this can be particularly important. Technology should support dignity and independence while allowing everyday life to remain as familiar and comfortable as possible. For carers and care teams, meanwhile, appropriate alerts and monitoring systems provide useful information without requiring constant intervention. This creates a balance between providing support and giving people appropriate space and freedom.
Above all, any technology should adapt to the care environment and individual. This is crucial for not only avoiding disruption within the facility, but to ensure the person receives the support they deserve.
SVC Care Communications: Here to Help
With World Alzheimer’s Day upon us, we hope we’ve explained how appropriate assistive technology should support the person, their environment and those providing care, rather than becoming the focus of care itself.
SVC Care Communications is always available to speak with operators of nursing homes and residential care facilities that would like to discuss their requirements with SVC. To chat with the SVC Care Communications team today, contact us and we will be happy to discuss your requirements.
Trevor Lucey is SVC’s Managing Director. Having been with the company since its inception in 1994, Trevor worked on installations and project management before he took over as the Managing Director in 2014. Under his management, SVC has seen significant growth, with on-demand, on-budget projects. With extensive knowledge of communications technology for the healthcare sector and unparalleled expertise in system design and implementation, Trevor is our go-to for custom solutions for each client.
