Dementia often has a significant impact on a person’s daily life, including how they function within their own home.
However, a wide range of products are available to help the person live more independently; minimise frustration caused by not being able to carry out certain tasks; reduce the risk of falls, accidents and injuries; and relieve families of some of their worries, leading to a better quality of life for everyone.
‘Assistive technology’ refers to equipment that is designed to help people with physical or cognitive disabilities carry out daily activities more easily. It doesn’t just refer to electronic equipment or machines, but to a range of living aids.
These are just a few examples of assistive technology for people with dementia. Some people will find them helpful while others will not, so consider what the person is finding difficult first and then look at possible aids or adaptations.
Telecare systems monitor activity around the home and alert you if they detect anything out of the ordinary. This can help the person with dementia live independently for longer.
When the telecare system detects anything unusual, it alerts a call centre operator who will arrange the appropriate help – this may be simply checking in on the person through a speaker in their home, or they may call a nominated relative or the emergency services.
Some telecare systems send updates direct to families or carers using a smartphone app.
There are several types of assessment that can identify ways to make independent living easier for a person with dementia. These are:
This looks at how the person is managing everyday tasks like washing, dressing and cooking. The main purpose is to identify if they need support with their care needs, for example from a professional carer, at a day centre, or in a care home. It may also identify home equipment and adaptations that could help. This is carried out by social services, and you can apply at gov.uk.
This looks specifically at home adaptations such as ramps, grab rails, stairlifts and walk-in showers. The assessor may also recommend daily living aids and assistive technology.
This is carried out by an occupational therapist and is intended to support people with daily living activities, for example suggesting new ways to approach household tasks and recommending equipment to help with these. You can ask the person’s GP for a referral or ask the memory service if they can be referred.
Not all living aids and home adaptations need to be expensive – often, a simple solution like using a whiteboard for reminders works just as well as a purchased assistive product.
Some changes can be more costly – but there may be financial support to help with these.
Small adaptations to the home that cost less than £1,000 each should be paid for by the local council. These might include grab rails, accessible ramps and movement-activated outdoor lighting.
Larger adaptations, such as converting a bathroom to a wet room, will not be funded by your local council, but you may be able to get a grant to contribute to or cover the cost. These include the Disabled Facilities Grant and grants from organisations and charities like Independence at Home and, in some areas, local branches of Age UK. The Home Independence Agency can also help you find grants that may be available in your area.
Some mobility aids, such as wheelchairs and toilet aids, may be available to hire from the British Red Cross, and some local councils and memory services loan smaller items like calendar clocks.
If someone is registered as disabled or has a long-term health condition, they may be exempt from paying VAT on assistive technology. This could save up to 20%, so ask the supplier if this is an option.
To speak to a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse about assistive technology or any other aspect of dementia, please call our free Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 (Monday-Friday 9am-9pm, Saturday and Sunday 9am-5pm, every day except 25th December), email helpline@dementiauk.org or you can pre-book a phone or video call with an Admiral Nurse.
Our virtual clinics give you the chance to discuss any questions or concerns with a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse by phone or video call, at a time that suits you.
Serena shares how writing poetry has helped her to process her feelings since her dad’s dementia diagnosis. She now shares her poetry as a way to honour her dad and to encourage other people affected by dementia to share their own experiences.
George shares his experience of being thrust into the role of a young carer, and the emotional journey that has followed for his family.
Jane shares her experience of attending a Nationwide dementia clinic and the lasting positive impact it has had on her and her husband, Brian, who is living with dementia.
