Healthcare Technology Featured Article

October 26, 2021

Ways Technology Can Help Seniors with Dementia




Technology has made lives easier in various forms. Whether it’s the ease of shopping, communicating, or working, technological advancements contributed vastly to one’s daily activities. As dementia cases in seniors rise, you can also use technology to help your loved one through the process.

Digital advancements provide humans with the ability to live a simpler life. Although many seniors prefer old school methods over modern technology, some innovations can streamline their daily activities. Here are some ways you can leverage technology to help your loved one with dementia.

Consistent Communication with Cellphone

Whether your loved ones live in private dementia care homes or alone, they need to communicate with their family and friends constantly. Since it is not always possible for people to visit seniors in homes, cell phones make it easier to stay connected.

Although memory care homes like Sagecare feel like a big family, your loved one living there will still need to stay in touch with you. Teach your family members how to use a cellphone to feel less lonely while you feel peace of mind. 

Apps for Memory-Related Games

Thanks to the array of technological advancements, you can use your phone to download memory-related exercises and games. There are different types of games that can enhance memory and concentration. Some memory games help prevent memory-related illnesses, while others improve cognitive functioning. Some games include online puzzles, colouring websites, and video games.

Home Monitoring Devices

If your loved one with dementia lives alone, making sure they’re safe can be challenging. Using home monitoring devices will enable you to view what they are doing at all times. If you observe that the senior is facing difficulties, you can visit them or send help. A home monitoring device will enable you to receive live updates and keep an eye on the senior at all times, easing your mind and enhancing their safety.

Some monitoring devices also have functions to change lights and thermostats, making simple tasks easier without stressing the seniors living there.

Alarms to Streamline Daily Activities

Some people with dementia might have difficulty differentiating between times of the day or remembering when to complete daily tasks. Encouraging a routine for daily activities can be reassuring for the individual with dementia and the caregiver. You can set alarms for your loved ones to remind them to perform daily activities, such as taking medication, consume meals, or take a bath.

Robots for Home Cleaning

Using robot vacuums to clean the home will relieve the burden for seniors with dementia and their caregiver. Robots can help the seniors by automatically cleaning the floors, reducing the requirements for seniors to remember when to clean, or potentially injuring themselves during the process.

Music Apps to Enhance Memory

Listening to music can help seniors as music boosts memory and mood. So, your loved one can use music apps to enhance their memory and thinking skills. Sometimes, old tunes can also enable people to reminiscence and remember old facts or memories. So, encouraging a senior with dementia to listen to music can help them reduce their stress and improve their cognitive function.

Using digital advancements to help seniors with dementia will provide relief to seniors and also the caregiver. Embracing technology can improve the quality of many lives.  



Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. [Free eNews Subscription]




SHARE THIS ARTICLE



FREE eNewsletter

Click here to receive your targeted Healthcare Technology Community eNewsletter.
[Subscribe Now]