These phones are created with people with dementia who cannot remember phone numbers in mind. A few clinical studies show that using home monitoring devices allows earlier release from hospitals and reduction in falls, along with a faster response to emergencies. It's also possible to keep track of visitors, deliveries, and intruders, usually with the potential for two-way communication. With a home monitoring device, it is possible to turn lights on and off and to adjust the thermostat at a distance. Unused appliances may be a sign of illness or wandering that needs to be investigated. They send a signal to a monitor when the appliance is turned on or off. Appliance monitors fit into a power strip behind a microwave, stove, or refrigerator. Appliance monitorsĮlectronic appliance monitors don't help people who have dementia remember better, but they alert family members and friends who don't live with them that memory issues may be a problem. Patients will need less reassurance about making appointments, and some confrontations can be minimized or avoided. It's a good idea to start using an easy-to-read clock on a regular basis as soon as possible after diagnosis. If you have ever had an extended conversation with someone who has dementia who is insisting that 'It's 9 o'clock in the morning, the sun just didn't come up today,' or whether it's Saturday or Sunday, you can appreciate the value of a clock that shows the time in a digital format, along with am or pm, day of the week, and date. The GPS Smart Sole goes into the patient's shoe. Most of these devices allow caregivers to set up a virtual fence a safe distance around the patient's residence. Some of these devices invade patient privacy Angel Sense, for example, allows caregivers and family members to listen in on what is happening with the patient and reports locations, departures, arrivals, and transit speed, along with an instant notification if the patient travels to an unusual place. GPS tracking and other devices including iTraq, MedicAlert, GPS Smart Sole, FindMe, Pocket Saver, Project Lifesaver, Safe Link, and Trax can be hugely helpful in finding people with dementia who live independently but who are prone to wandering and getting lost. Even a phone with large numbers, such as Jitterbug, can relieve the cognitive burden of having to remember a number and see the numbers on the phone at the same time. Devices such as Konnekt in Australia, the Doro Photo Button Phone in the UK, and Portal in the US and many other countries enable dementia patients to have visual contact with friends and family without having to remember names and numbers, and allow caregivers to check on their charges visually.

Pill reminder for dementia patients