Technology enables more dementia patients to stay out of care
TunstallKey Facts
There are 750,000 people with dementia in the UK
That's 5% of the total population aged 65 and over, rising to 20% aged 80 and over
154,000 people with dementia live alone
By 2026 there will be 840,000 people with dementia in the UK
There has previously been little alternative to residential care for many people living with the effects of dementia, as the risks of remaining at home often become too great as the condition progresses.This change of environment in itself can often prove distressing and detrimental to older people with dementia. Carers for those with dementia can experience prolonged periods of emotional and physical strain, and respite from their role is made difficult by the adverse effect
it can have on the person they are caring for.
Technology which can allow a carer to have a good night's sleep, safe in the knowledge that should their loved one wander out of the house, cause the bath to overflow or even leave their bed for a prolonged period of time, they will be alerted immediately can make an enormous difference to the quality of everyday life.
Telecare can monitor the environment for people living with dementia and their carers, and a variety of sensors can be employed as appropriate to the situation, such as the wandering client sensor.Wandering can be a particular issue for people with dementia, particularly at night time. A simple solution, based around a door contact and PIR (Passive Infra Red) can ensure that people with dementia do not need to be prisoners in their own homes in order to live safely in the community. This technology will raise an alert if it detects a presence leaving the house but not returning within a short space of time, thus enabling them to be guided safely home.
posted by Jen @ 9:18 AM
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