Author: Marketing

Dementia is now the first and second leading cause of death in females and males in the UK.
Over 850,000 people are living with dementia and this is set to rise to over 1 million by 2025.
With no known cure for dementia, caring for someone with dementia can be difficult and
present a whole host of unforeseen challenges as the disease can cause changes to a person’s
memory, cognitive ability and communication. Assistive technology can help with anxiety,
establish a routine and boost the quality of life for everyone involved. With new technology
being developed each day, more devices are becoming available to advance caring for people
with dementia.

Apps That Help With Dementia

Perhaps the most obvious new technology, but there are a whole range of apps specifically
developed for either people with dementia or their caregivers. Research has shown
that these apps can be hugely beneficial as they target various aspects that affect
people with dementia such as balance, medication reminders, memory training or
even just an app to connect to others to help with isolation. There are hundreds
available, such as MindMate, Nymbl and Elevate.

How Amazon Echo Help Dementia Sufferers

Amazon’s Echo has had a big impact on those with dementia as it offers the very
thing they’re losing – memory! Amazon’s Echo doubles as a personal assistant and a
companion who never gets bored or frustrated with being asked the same questions
repeatedly, making it perfect for people with dementia.
As well as this, “Alexa” offers people with dementia a source of entertainment as well
as company. With the ability to play music and audiobooks, it can offer caregivers a
welcome respite and can even be connected to smart devices to control lights,
switches and thermostats giving the person even more independence and control.

Xenoma Smart Clothing – Pyjamas That Measure Vital Signs

The Japanese smart fabric company Xenoma aims to develop smart pyjamas
specifically for people dementia within hospitals. The idea is rather than confining
them to their rooms or keeping them in for observation, the clothing monitors motion
and vital signs such as breathing, pressure and body temperature. The company claims
they won’t show wear for 100 washes and don’t require any liquid or gel to keep
conductivity with your skin. While the e-skin pyjamas aren’t available just yet,
Xenoma hopes the hardware is ready for release in 2020, by which point the cost per
garment will be less than $100 (£75).

Personal Alarms & GPS Tracking Devices

People with dementia can be known to wander. Coupled with memory loss, they can
often end up lost and confused as to where they are or how they arrived there. To
counter this, a personal alarm and GPS tracker which can be easily kept in your
pocket or attached to a lanyard around your neck or wrist can be incredibly beneficial.
These usually include two-way calling that allows the person with dementia to talk to
their emergency contacts just by pressing the SOS alarm button and vice versa. These
can be useful for emergencies or if their mobile runs out of battery. The good news is
there’s plenty of these available such as Unforgettable personal alarm and tracker,
Yepzon One GPS locator & tracker or Pebbell personal alarm and tracker. There’s so
many variations that you are bound to find one tailored to your needs.

A Robotic Pet Companion!

Definitely the most unusual device on our list, Robotic pet companions are a great
way to reduce stress and anxiety in dementia patients. These cuddly critters usually
have built-in senses and artificial intelligence which allows them to ‘learn’, even to
respond to their given name and best of all, they will always behave. There are many
different ones available such as PARO the Seal or Hasbro’s Joy for All companion
pets which offers the user a choice between a puppy or cat companion.

While technology can help to maintain independence for those suffering from dementia, it is also important that physical needs are attended to alongside offering human company. That’s why here at Secure Health Care solutions, we offer a range of care at home services to assist you or the person you care about to live well in their own home.

As our loved ones age, taking care of them becomes intertwined more and more with our everyday lives. When they develop diseases like dementia, it often brings a slew of unforeseen changes which we must adapt to quickly and this often includes making changes to their home environment. Dementia causes changes to the person’s judgement, behaviour, sense of time and place, physical ability and anticipating these changes will allow you to minimize the risk of potential injuries and accidents.

Adapting a person with dementia’s home can allow them to stay in a familiar and comforting environment without worry and reduces the stress for everyone involved. The list of adaptions is endless but there’s many things you can do to dementia proof their homes and allow them to continue living independently.

1.Reduce clutter and simplify walkways

It’s important to ensure that walkways are clear and not blocked. Remove rugs and carpets to prevent falls as the person with dementia could see this as an object and trip or fall. If you’re worried about falls, think about purchasing a personal alarm for them. Perform a walkthrough to identify the different things that could cause injury.

2. Put away dangerous appliances and toxic substances

Remove any electrical appliances from the bathroom and kitchen and lock scissors and knives away in a secure place. Secure lock cabinets that contain medications, chemicals and any other toxic substances that could be mistaken for food. You may want to consider getting stove knob covers or removing them altogether and switching to devices that use heat instead

3. Utilize child-proof locks and door knob covers

Being able to rationalize between safe and unsafe may not always be possible for a person with dementia so it’s vital to lock doors that lead to areas that contain tools, equipment or chemicals that may be dangerous. On the flip side, removing bedroom and bathroom locks may be necessary to prevent accidentally locking themselves in.

4. Lighting

The way a person with dementia’s home is lit can have an impact on their visibility. Changes in light levels can be disorienting so make sure their home is evenly and well-lit, particularly in the evenings. Night lights can be handy in hallways, bedrooms, bathrooms and stairs to prevent accidents. Reduce glare by covering polished surfaces, mirrors and glass tops.

5. Colour contrast

Contrast can be beneficial in helping people with dementia distinguish space and depth within their home, having contrasting colour furniture to the walls will make objects stand out more but avoid using dark colours as these can often look like a black blur and be disorienting.

6. Labels

Labels can help determine what’s inside a room, cupboard or drawers. For example, a sign with a picture of a toilet on the bathroom door. Remember as well to CHECK labels on food! People with dementia often develop issues with taste and smell and are unable to identify fresh food so routinely check to see all their food is still within date.

Of course, even with adaptations, sometimes your loved one will require a little help – and here at Secure Healthcare Solutions, we want to help you or your loved one to stay at home in your comfortable environement, which is why we offer a range of home care options, from respite care to give you a break, to holiday help to enable you to take your loved one away. Our fully trained and qualified staff are always here to help you. Find out how we can assist with care at home.

It’s that time of the year again. Today is said to be the most depressing day of the year. Christmas is a long forgotten memory, while payday still seems a long way ahead. It’s cold, you’re miserable, and those diet resolutions you made in good faith back on the 1^st are now making your stomach rumble.

Originally coined by a PR Firm 13 years ago, Blue Monday seems to have slipped into common vernacular, however mental health charities warn that Blue Monday trivialises depression, with Mind’s Head of Information commenting that ‘Depression is not just a one day event’.

However, it really is that case that the factors mentioned above can spiral into feeling down at this time of year. So what can those who do feel down at this time of year do to try and beat those winter blues.

1. Get Outside

As the temperatures drop, it can tempting to stay indoors wrapped up warm, however the lack of sunlight in the winter can contribute to feeling down. The NHS suggests trying to take a one hour walk in the middle of the day when it’s brightest outside.

2. Eat Well

While it’s easy to eat up salads and light meals during the summer, our natural inclination during the winter is to turn to stodgy comfort food. Eating healthy will help to boost mood and allow you more energy. Try to balance your diet by eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruit.

3. Try Light Therapy

While getting out in the natural daylight is always the best option, many of those who suffer with seasonal depression have seen boosts from using lightboxes – electric devices that simulate natural daylight.

4. Keep Both Mind and Body Active

In the depths of winter, many people find themselves less active – just sitting in front of a TV or computer screen indoors. Try and keep as active as possible. Get out and see friends and family, or perhaps take up a new hobby. By keeping both your mind and body active, you can help to boost your mood.

5. Seek Help

Whether a support group, a phone line, or going to see your GP – depression is a serious illness that can have a heavy impact on your life. If your symptoms are interfering with your ability to live normally, speak to you GP, or contact MIND.