What is assistive technology?
Assistive technology can be defined as “any device or system that allows an individual to perform a task that they would otherwise be unable to do, or increases the ease and safety with which the task can be performed”. [1] This includes a wide range of devices that can grouped according to their purpose. Supportive technologies help the individual to complete tasks; responsive technologies help manage risk and raise alarms; and preventative technologies prevent harm and raise alarms.[2] These technologies may include simple ‘low tech’ items such as basic mobility devices -walking sticks, walking frames, bath aids, calendar clocks through to more ‘high tech’ items such as automatic lighting and telecare. The term ‘telecare’ is used to describe sensors or detectors (for example movement, flood, gas, smoke or fall detectors) that automatically send a signal via a base unit connected to a telephone line (‘tele’) to a carer, community alarm or monitoring service and which can call for assistance (‘care’) when it is needed.[3]
Examples of assistive technology include:
- Electronic location devices which let carers know if the people they care for have left the room or building. This includes GPS technology that can locate people who have left the home and become lost or disorientated.
- Temperature, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These can be linked with a number of devices, enabling gas or electricity supplies to be shut off automatically, or power operated windows to be opened.
- Memo minders – can help people who have difficulty in remembering to carry out tasks.
- Medication dispensers – these devices can help people who have difficulty in remembering to take their medicine
2. How assistive technology can benefit people with dementia and their carers
Assistive technology has potential benefits for people with dementia providing it is introduced early on in the care of an individual with dementia and is tailored to each individual’s needs. People considering using assistive technology should do so in consultation with their health or social care professional.
Getting the right support in place early may mean that an individual can continue to live in an environment of their choice with independence and dignity, and help to ensure that the appropriate assistive technology package is provided to them. However, access to assistive technology should not require a formal diagnosis.
Lack of public awareness and information
The lack of public awareness relating to assistive technology means that people with dementia and carers do not know what to ask for. There is also a lack of good quality information around assistive technology. This means that the right equipment at the right time is not provided to people with dementia. This is not just an issue for the provision of assistive technology, rather a lack of information more generally especially for people with dementia and, to a lesser extent, their carers.
The priority given to assistive technology by different local authorities is variable and there is no national guidance on how assistive technology should be provided. In some areas of the country people with dementia have much poorer access to assistive technology than others. Depending on where an individual with dementia lives, eligibility for assistive technology may vary, only a limited range of products might be available and there may be a considerable wait for assistive technology to be provided.
Assistive technology must be personalised
It is very important that assistive technology is personalised to the individual and not part of a ‘set menu’ or ‘dementia package’. Assuming that every individual with dementia requires, or will benefit from, the same piece of assistive technology is unhelpful. People with dementia experience very different symptoms that require different responses. In addition the most appropriate assistive technology will depend on an individual’s lifestyle and circumstances which changes over time. A thorough assessment of needs should always be carried out to ensure people are not in receipt of technology that is of no use to them, or are not in receipt of technology that they would find helpful.
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/info/20091/position_statements/85/assistive_technology/2
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