How Can Assistive Technology Help?
There are many challenges people living with dementia can face, whether living alone or with a carer. This help sheet provides information on assistive technology and how it may be used to support the independence of people living at home with dementia. While assistive technology will never be the sole answer to maximizing quality of life for people with dementia, it can play an important support role and may delay or prevent a person from moving from home if they so choose.
One of the benefits of using assistive technology is that it can provide an opportunity for a person with dementia to increase their self-reliance and independence. This can then lead to improved confidence and self esteem.
Reducing the amount of assistance needed by a person with dementia can mean ‘peace of mind’ for the carer and has the potential to free up some of their time. Some of the areas where assistive technology may help include:
- Sleep disturbances;
- Safe use of domestic appliances;
- Managing medication;
- Orienting to the time, day of the week, month or year;
- Finding your way or wandering;
- Summoning help in an emergency; and
- Locating misplaced items.