In order to develop an understanding of how my proposed idea can help and individual, and also learn more about my target audience I decided to research the effects of Dementia and how people with this condition can be assisted.
Dementia is more than just memory loss – most people associate dementia with memory loss, but the condition affects people in a wide variety of ways. That might include changes in behaviour, confusion and disorientation, delusions and hallucinations, difficulty communicating, problems judging speeds and distances and even cravings for particular foods. Everyone’s experience of dementia is different.
It’s possible to live an independent and active life with dementia – there are many people in the UK and across the world who are facing dementia head on and developing support mechanisms and strategies to live well with the condition. That includes anything from taking up new hobbies to making new friends or taking part in research.
As dementia affects a person’s mental abilities, they may find planning and organising difficult. Maintaining their independence may also become a problem. A person with dementia will therefore usually need help from friends or relatives, including help with decision making.
Living at home when you have dementia
In the early stages of dementia, many people are able to look after their homes in the same way as before their diagnosis. However, as the illness gets worse, it is likely that someone who has dementia will find it difficult to look after their home and they may need help with daily activities, such as housework and shopping. The home of a person with dementia may also need to be adapted to enable them to stay safe, mobile and independent.
Living alone with dementia
As your condition progresses, you will need extra support to help you cope, and it’s better to get this in place early. Talk to family, friends and health professionals about how they can help you to stay independent. They can advise on how to cope with practical tasks, such as shopping.
How telecare technology can help with dementia
Telecare is a term used to describe personal alarms and health-monitoring devices that can help people with disabilities and long-term conditions to live more independently. Telecare can be particularly helpful if you’re caring for someone with dementia.
Telecare and telehealth services can give peace of mind to the person with dementia and their relatives, by confirming that they are safe at home and their health is stable. For example, telecare can help reassure you – from a distance – that the person you care for has got out of bed (through a bed pressure sensor) but hasn’t left the house (front door sensor).
After conducting research on the effects of dementia I have realised that there could be a significant set back with individuals forgetting to use the app itself. Although this app could aid some individuals in the early stages of the condition, it could prove to be more of a hindrance than a help. Due to the complexity of dementia and how it differs so vastly between person to person. It would be diffcult to taylor the concept to meet the needs of a large number of people.
I think it may be more helpful to people who have learning difficulties that struggle to complete everyday tasks correctly and on time. I aim to conduct some further research into how this could benefit individuals who have these issues, and whether this would be helpful to them.
Sites Used:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/dementia-guide/Pages/about-dementia.aspx
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/dementia-guide/Pages/staying-independent-with-dementia.aspx
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/dementia-guide/pages/dementia-care-at-home.aspx#Mobility
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