Dementia is a difficult condition not only for the person who suffers from it but also for the people around them. The decline of cognitive functions can be heart breaking for the family members of the patient.
The number of people living with dementia climbed up to 75 million in 2017, with a projected increase of 100% every 20 years. That means that by 2050, the number will go over 131 million worldwide.
Every 3 seconds someone in the world develops dementia. If a loved one is suffering from this condition, it is important to help simplify their daily tasks, spend time with them and help them fight the condition as best as they can to retain as many cognitive functions as possible. Here are some of the best gadgets that can help you do that:
Dementia-Friendly Clocks
As dementia progresses, reading an analogue clock can prove to be challenging. Dementia patients often struggle with keeping orientated with time which can cause a feeling of uneasiness for them.
Buying a dementia-friendly clock can bring a bit of peace of mind for your loved one who has dementia. Look for a big digital clock which is easy to read, preferably one that displays the day of the week, the date and AM/PM indication can help sufferers feel more confident by being able to tell what time of the day it is.
Alternatively, you can choose to go with a more modern gadget such as the Amazon Echo Spot or Amazon Echo Show which come with a bright display, digital clock and current weather. You can even set up voice commands that will be easy to memorise and use. Check out these PlusVoucherCode Studio Discount Codes and use their offers on Amazon gadgets.
Motion-Sensor Lights
Moving around in the dark is not advisable under any conditions since tripping over something and falling is a real risk. However, most of us know where the light switches are located, and we can quickly flick them.
For dementia patients, however, this can prove to be a difficult task as their memory deteriorates over time. Installing motion-sensor lights can lift a bit of pressure off of them since they will not have to worry about memorising the countless light switches around the house.
Movement Sensors
Dementia patients can lose track of space and time which is one of the scariest symptoms of this condition. It is not uncommon for patients to wander off without anybody seeing them. According to a study, even 20% of dementia patients suffer increased levels of confusion and anxiety at night, making them prone to wandering out of the home.
A recent invention can help keep dementia patients safe and sound. Movement sensor socks and mats can alert caregivers, or family members gets up unexpectedly. The mats can be placed on tactical positions such as near the front door. These gadgets work through a mobile app, so if someone steps on the mat or stands up while wearing the socks, an alert will be sent to the phone of the caregiver or the family member.
This is a simple yet very powerful invention that can keep the patients safe and their families at ease.
GPS Tracking
Similar to the movement sensors, GPS gadgets can be of real help if a beloved one leaves home unexpectedly and wanders without telling anyone.
GPS technology today spreads much further than our phones and sat navs. Some gadgets can help track the location of a person who doesn’t have a phone on them. Shoes with smart soles are the perfect examples – the smart sole will send a GPS signal which can be traced via the mobile app and you will always be able to find your loved one if they decide to leave home in a moment of confusion.
One-Button Radio
A lot of dementia patients find comfort in music. However, as the cognitive abilities decrease it can prove challenging for them to use a radio due to a lot of different buttons.
A one-button radio can be very beneficial for them. You can tune in their preferred station and set the appropriate volume for them. They will only need to push the one visible big button to turn the radio on and off.
Simple Remote Control
Same a with the radio, operating a remote control can become a challenging task for dementia patients. Getting a special simplified remote control is an excellent gadget for them.
Alternatively, you can look for remote control which can be closed to cover the unneeded functions and only leave the volume and channel buttons available so the affected person can easily navigate through channels.
Think Outside the Box
All of these gadgets are worth considering but making your home better for the dementia patient is an individual thing. Making more room to move around and adding different devices that will accommodate their needs should be a priority.
Living with dementia is not easy in any way. Trying to make the life of your beloved one simpler and more enjoyable should be on the top of your priorities. Using these gadgets, you can make sure they are safe at any given time and that they can live a happier life knowing they are still capable of doing their everyday tasks in a simplified way.
