Caring for individuals who have been diagnosed with dementia is certainly a hands-on process. As more than 850,000 people throughout the United Kingdom have been diagnosed with this condition, leveraging the latest technological innovations will help to ensure that nothing has been left to chance. Let’s look at eight examples of how cutting-edge equipment can provide invaluable levels of assistance.
Jigsaw Puzzles
Those who suffer from dementia should always be provided with stimulating games, as these can help to keep their minds “fit”. Jigsaw puzzles will reinforce their sense of mental acuity as well as their inherent problem-solving skills.
Electronic Wristbands
These wristbands can serve a number of purposes. Such devices are often used to monitor one’s vital signs, to keep track of distances walked per day and to alert staff in the event that a patient happens to wander outside of the facility.
LCD Wall Furniture
These clever platforms can be placed upon a wall and programmed to display a nearly limitless number of settings. From mimicking a journey on a train to mirroring natural habitats, wall-mounted LCD screens are excellent ways to provide dementia patients with a more stimulating environment.
Brightly Coloured Dinner Plates
One interesting study found that dementia patients who are provided with brightly coloured plates during their meals consumed up to 25 per cent more food when compared with standard flatware. It is believe that coloured plates can help patients to differentiate the types of food that they are given and therefore, they will be more likely to eat ample portions.
Light Therapy Boxes
Some dementia care homes have likewise made it a point to install light therapy boxes within rooms that house dementia patients. As many individuals tend to suffer from poor sleeping habits, these boxes can help to “reset” internal circadian rhythms so that a healthy night of rest is achieved. Light therapy boxes may also be used during times of the year associated with inclement weather conditions.
One-Touch Radios
Large buttons and clear displays will enable dementia patients to find their favourite radio stations in no time at all. This is important due to the fact that audio stimulation has been proven to offer therapeutic advantages.
Beeping Object Locators
It is common for dementia patients to lose track of everyday objects. Thanks to modern technology, tiny beepers can be attached to items such as keys, pill boxes and handbags. These promote a sense of personal independence in the event that they become misplaced.
Biometric Devices
In terms of safety, a growing number of care facilities are providing their patients with biometric readers. The primary intention here is to alert staff members in the event of a sudden medical emergency (such as a hard fall). Therefore, the appropriate services can provide the bets care possible within the shortest amount of time.
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