Tech for the early stage. If their loved one lives with them, they may want to acquire motion sensors or a smart doorbell to know when their loved one is out of bed or near the door. If their family member is still driving, a smart phone app for turn-by-turn directions as well as a “wearable” to help their loved one find his/her way. Finally, families may want to focus on maintaining their loved one's quality of life at home, introducing smart speakers to play music at scheduled times, or even storytelling technology to help their loved one talk about themselves and their lives, which can be a comfort.
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Needs of the Early stage |
Tech Categories |
Examples |
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Activities of daily living |
Motion sensors |
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At home |
Smart Speakers |
Amazon Echo, Dot |
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Wandering/driving |
GPS Tracking |
Philips GoSafe, MobileHelp |
The Middle Stage Of Dementia (All Above Plus The Following):
When dementia progresses to the point where a family member is concerned about their loved one getting lost, it may be time for them to discuss whether or not their loved one should be driving and encourage walking, if it’s an option. Their loved one’s loss of independence is difficult to confront, but for safety, it's critical.At that point, a wearable with location tracking may help keep their loved one safe and reduce worry about getting lost near their home. Home safety needs to be addressed as well. Tools such as an automatic stove shutoff and a home alarm system with water detection for faucets that may be left running can help reduce risks. From a health standpoint, it may make sense to have a medication reminder/dispensing system that both alerts about a dosage and only alerts/releases the appropriate medication at the right time.
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Needs of the Middle stage |
Tech Categories |
Examples |
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Care coordination |
Private health websites, managing medications |
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Wander management |
Location tracking tools |
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Mental stimulation |
Music Therapy, Personalized content for Dementia |
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Medication management |
Pre-loaded dosages released at specific times |
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Home safety |
When loved one is alone in their home |
The Advanced Stage Of Dementia:
In the more advanced stages of dementia, a loved one might need an in-home care worker while you are out or at work. Or a family member may need to hire a round-the-clock caregiver to help their loved one with meals, showers, dressing and other routines. Installing a remote camera may help provide peace of mind. Families can also consider other tools that help comfort and relax their loved one. An adult day center that can provide a full day of activities and interactions for those with dementia is also a resource.
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Needs of the Advanced stage |
Tech Categories |
Examples |
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In-home care services |
Home care workers for partial day or full day |
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Remote monitoring |
Cameras, sensors |
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Engaging seniors |
Robotic cats, dogs |
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Bed/chair exit tools |
Alerts when a person gets up |
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Adult day centers |
Centers trained in dementia care |
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Memory care |
Specialized units for those with dementia |
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Ankota provides software to improve the delivery of care outside the hospital, focusing on efficiency and care coordination. Ankota's primary focus is on Care Transitions for Readmission avoidance and on management of Private Duty non-medical home care. To learn more, please visit www.ankota.com or contact us.
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