Dementia Technology Support

Dementia is different between people I have found it very important to listen and watch the person. My role is technology support therefore I need to understand what the client can do.

The capacity analysis I need to do includes getting the devices and find the sweet point of usage, simplicity and complexity. I will attempt to mentor of a simple task to see the type of onboarding I will need to complete.

Understanding the home technology environment is particularly important. For example the movement of sound though a house will change the layout of the heat-map for the microphones and acoustic response.

I have found people are still conversational having the ability to ask for information. This is a good sign for using artificial intelligence to supplement the memory gaps.

In some cases people are not using NBN but flakey mobile phone coverage for the internet usage. This drives low confidence in the internet itself.

Safety considerations

The empirical evidence was the need to door security camera which recorded any movement at the front door. This information can be reviewed and checked at anytime by the family and support workers. Aiding the clients visual memory.

Confidence

As the memory is fading clients become concerned they have not completed tasks. Using virtual assistant the clients can tell the assistant to remember information as they do it. Then ask at request a reply from the assistant. The assistant can be voice-matched and remember passwords.

Routine

Building routines will drive reminders and daily plans offering voice reminders and activities are particular times. In the past Alarms were used to so this but they have limitations in the abilities.

Morning sunrise routines and home and away routines can turn on lights and other technology.

Existing devices

Repurposing existing devices can deliver simplified single application experiences for example turning a old phone into an audiobook reader or a tracking device.

Motion sensor globes.

New globes have motion sensors built-in and work in the existing sockets. These can be a simple addition to a smart home. Offering safety and without the need for programming and wifi setup.

Once we understand the scope of dementia we can adjust the technology to suit the client.

All the best,

Allen Wade.