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15 Technology Products To Make Life Easier with Dementia [Updated]

Updated: Oct 22, 2023



Every 3.2 seconds, one of us, somewhere in the world, is diagnosed with dementia [1]. Maybe the diagnosis has been given to you. Or maybe to someone you love. The challenges are undeniable.


In this article, we list 15 products to make life easier. To prevent the technology from being outdated, we keep an always up-to-date collection of hundreds of the top products from around the world here.


For the most part, those diagnosed early will have periods of clarity, carry out responsibilities, and may live somewhat independently through the early and mid-stages, and with the help of family or friends.


As the brave and inspiring Wendy Mitchell explains in documenting her own journey with young-onset dementia:

“When people think of dementia, they think of the late stages. They forget that there is a beginning and a middle,"

There's also much to be hopeful for in the years ahead, due to the relentless efforts of medical professionals, researchers, and drug and technology companies.


Technology has rapidly progressed to give us extraordinary options to prolong independence, including those that address many of the early-stage symptoms, such as communicating, remembering appointments and bills, getting help or being found, keeping safe at home, and staying healthy.


At the end of this article, we explain how we independently choose these products and invite you to drop us a note if you have questions.


Dementia is a general term used to describe symptoms that impact memory, the performance of daily activities, and communication abilities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Alzheimer’s disease progresses with time and affects memory, language, and thought [3]


So let's make life a bit easier.

 

For Me

I've read that everyone experiences dementia differently. For me, I knew something wasn't right. I started forgetting names and getting lost while I was driving to places I'd been going to for years. Once I was diagnosed, my main concern was to still be as independent as possible and to keep living a good life. It was encouraging to read the stories, and see how people continue to get by finding ways to address what they are challenged with.


Technology has helped me be more independent, like to know the date and time and remind me what I need to do. My watch tracks my steps and motivates me to be active. The kids can see where I am if they are worried or if I want help. I can listen to music, keep up hobbies, and learn new things I'm interested in.



For My Partner

My wife was diagnosed with dementia when she was 63. It's hard. She's the love of my life. In some ways, it's easier now we know what it is. But I know it will get tougher for her and us. We're staying positive, but it worries me that something might happen when I'm not there. One thing we did was put a smart lock and security camera on the front door. That way I know if Beth heads out unexpectedly, or she answers the door to a visitor, we know. I used to worry every minute I was gone. We've changed the phone so it's easier to see the photos and dial the kids or for them to drop in, and she has a watch that looks terrific with a month-long battery that helps with her location and health.


For My Grown-up Kids

I'm the youngest, and I live the closest. Mum retired around 60 since she was finding work a bit hard. Now we know why. We're a family who look after each other and do what needs to be done, so we talked with her doctor, researched all we could, and sat down to hear what she wanted and make a plan. Between visits we've found new ways to support her and dad.


We drop into the room on the home hub, and can answer or open the door remotely if Dad's out or there's a delivery. We get messages from her watch if she's more than a few blocks from home. We can add reminders to her big display clock from our own phones, so she gets messages that we're coming over, and other events and appointments. She was devastated to forget my brother's birthday last year. We've labeled photos and put them up on a wall so she remembers how much she is loved.


For My Doctor


As a GP I've cared for Beth and her family for at least 20 years. A dementia diagnosis is tough, but there's a lot we can do medically to try to keep her well. Most people with dementia have 2-3 coexisting conditions, or 'co-morbidities'. A problem with her heart, for example. Not taking the right medication or getting enough sleep can accelerate cognitive decline, as well as lead to complications like falls, headaches, fogginess, and irritability.


One of the difficulties with dementia is that it's hard to notice, remember, and communicate an accurate picture of what's happening between visits. Beth, and with the help of her family, have been able to capture and show me, a graph of her activity, sleep, and heart rate, as well as taking her blood pressure at the same time every night that's uploaded to a graph they share. This has helped me tweak medication, prevent incidents, and help Beth stay as quick-witted, and healthy as possible.


 

Top 15 List


Safer & Easier at Home


Monitoring Health


15. Virtual Reality (for empathy or enjoyment)


 

1. Time, Date & Reminders

Visual clocks help keep track of the time, day, and date, as people with dementia and Alzheimer's often struggle with tracking the passage of time and reading a clock face. Losing sense of time inevitably leads to confusion, and this, in turn, can lead to anxiety, challenging behavior, anger, or even loss of self.


Another consequence of this may be forgetting to keep appointments, take medication, pay bills, and do what keeps you healthy and independent.


Why Use It?

To help with confidence, clarity, and maintaining independence.


Top Picks


Main Feature Decisions

  • If reminders should be able to be set remotely by others

  • If an internet connection is required

  • How many reminders can be set or stored

  • If reminders are delivered by alarm, voice prompt, and/or picture


Tips to Use

  • Set it up in frequently used or high-traffic places, such as bed-side, kitchen, or living room

  • Start with the clock, and add a couple of simple reminders, such as to move, drink water or take medication

  • Adjust sound levels

  • Involve others around you so you can incorporate the device as part of daily routines, for example, the habit of placing a post-it note of the time your partner will return from the shop, next to the digital display.


We also like: Reminder Rosie or use a Voice Assistant for reminders


2. Medication


Medication dispensers help to store, organize, and give reminders for medication to be taken. They most often provide a storage place for tablets, settings regarding dosage times or reminders, and a power source such as a battery.


Features can include reminders, alerts if medication is not taken, or safe locks to prevent the medication from being taken at the wrong times or quantities.


Why Use It

To assist the right dose and medication times to be adhered to, preventing the adverse effects of missing medication, either directly to your health or as a consequence such as falls, etc.

For family, the concern that someone they love won't take medication that endangers their well being, can be a reason for increasing third-party support.


Top Picks


Main Feature Choices

  • The number of tablets held

  • The duration eg. day or month patterns, and

  • If you want a 3rd party notified of medication not taken



3. Talking & Calling


Phones are important as a way to maintain a connection with others, for help and companionship, and to get jobs done. Devices available include home or mobile devices, and visual or video queues to assist with poor vision, memory, hearing, and the reassurance of facial expressions for non-verbal communication.


“Older adults are at an increased risk for social isolation and loneliness because they are more likely to face factors such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness and hearing loss.” The decline in hearing and low vision can make interacting with others difficult." [12]


In fact, people of all ages are experiencing social isolation and loneliness, so being able to communicate more easily is rewarding in many directions for you and your family across the generations.


Why Use It

To reduce isolation and frustration, to stay connected to loved ones, and to assist with tasks or needs such as calling the doctor, the pharmacy, the bank or calling for help.


Top Picks


Main Feature Choices

  • Home phone or mobile

  • Assistance with, or compatibility with, hearing and hearing aids

  • Visual aids such as picture dialing, or flashing lights for incoming calls

  • Dexterity needs such as big buttons or those that prevent double-pressing

  • Voice-only or video call capability

  • Emergency call button

  • If subscription fees or contracts are required eg a mobile provider or rented video phone

Tips to Use

  • Sit down with your family or those closest to get acquainted with the features

  • Set it up with contact numbers and pictures/photos

  • Have accessories such as cases, straps, or side tables with chargers that make it easy to reach, use or carry

  • Adjust the sound levels

  • Start a habit of you or your family calling each other to get used to talking and carrying it, and then continue to check in often

  • There are guides for 'Communicating with People with Dementia'



4. Getting Help & Being Found


These devices are a way of calling for help (SOS) when needed, detecting falls, being found, or being able to locate someone if there's cause for worry or concern, for everyone's benefit. 6 in 10 people with dementia will wander [6].


Why Use It

To give peace of mind to all concerned that Help can be called, falls can be detected, and loved ones can be located. Whilst not failsafe, often independence is taken away because of the potential that something will go wrong, the time taken, or the consequences of responding too late.


Top Picks



Main Feature Choices

  • If a service provider will monitor the device or family will do so

  • Battery life

  • Features that increase use such as wrist straps, neck straps, or waterproofing

  • Whether the devices will willingly be carried (or jettisoned) or need to be incorporated on keys, walking frames, watches, cars or clothing, etc. (In which case please seek permission from the person being tracked wherever possible).

Tips to Use

  • Discuss with your friends and family, what you're doing to keep safe

  • Setup numbers for contacts and emergency dialing

  • Develop a routine to incorporate the device, for example putting it on when you rise from bed (as nobody plans for a fall and the likelihood of doing so is fairly high)

  • Always use with respect and seek or give written permission to be tracked where possible. The offer of mutual tracking each other may be received well.


We also like: Jiobit (USA), Keytag (UK), LandAirSea GPS Tracker

 

Safer & Easier at Home


5. Voice Assistants & Appliances


Voice assistants or 'home hubs' provide assistance just by asking, such as making voice and video calls, the ability for your family to drop into the room, detect movement, and to automate or voice activate lights and appliances.


It can also enable you to get help and information, or be entertained. You can perform a range of skills like banking, calling an Uber, booking an appointment, asking for the weather, checking appointments, or ordering food, just by asking.


Amazon has invested significantly in this area including the Alexa Care Hub [7] capability for helping families with the care of loved ones remotely.


Why Use It

To make life easier, to be more informed, and to be closer to family.


"Mom lives near my sister and is 2 hours away so visiting is always a bit of a project. I thought I'd try setting Amazon's ECHO-SHOW next to her rocking chair. I can now "Drop-in" on her every day and share some face time with her, visit with her granddaughter, see the dog whom she LOVES, and just make her smile.


The beauty is that there is no interaction needed on her end, the Caregivers and my Mom love this setup. The fact that I can use my phone from anywhere and actually see and talk to Mom, and show her things is hugely entertaining and comforting for Mom, and everyone in the family. " [11]


Top Picks


Main Feature Choices

  • Screen size

  • A stand or bracket may add value, to automatically track your face for example as you move about in the kitchen

  • There are often packages available from Amazon & Google, combining a home hub with appliance and tv plugs, cameras and video doorbells.


Tips to Use

  • Place it in a well-used space, such as the kitchen or living room

  • You'll need a smartphone and app to set up the device and any key accounts (like Spotify or other subscriptions), though you don't need a smartphone for everyday operation

  • Add additional users and phone numbers to be able to call people or enable them to check if there's been a movement

  • Set up standing reminders

  • Plug the wifi plugs into any lamps, fans, or other appliances, and connect and name them through the [Amazon or Google] app. You can also link doorbells or thousands of other smarthome products

  • Set up routines, or collections of commands. For example "Good night" can turn off lights, on lamps, send a message to the family you're off to bed, and announce tomorrow's appointments and weather

  • Have someone in your family write down a list of the most helpful questions or commands to ask the voice assistant, and leave these laminated 'flash cards' around home. Eg. To call, say..." Alexa, call Jenny", "Alexa, what day is it?", "Listen to quiet music", "Tell me the news", and "Turn on the lights".


6. Camera, Video Doorbell & Smart Lock

This set of products, depending on personal needs and home setup, is invaluable in seeing who's at the gate or door, remotely opening it, talking with them, detecting wandering, or as a security measure.


Use cases and features might be noticing you've left home at an unexpected time or capturing how long you've been out if missing, helping with lost keys or a neighbor checking up by remotely opening the door if needed, the family having oversight over visiting carers and services, ease for you to see who's at the door instead of rushing to answer it or alerting the family to unwanted visitors at night.


Why Use It

Multiple benefits centered around you, friends, and family having peace of mind and being able to support you to be safe from wherever they are.


Top Picks


Main Feature Choices

  • For doorbells and cameras, whether wired or wireless

  • Whether external cameras have a sim embedded so it can be moved anywhere and doesn't need wifi

  • For smart door locks, choose a lock that suits your preferences and door type (such as fingerprint, key option, code, and with or without a door handle).

  • What the backup is if this doesn't work eg. batteries are long-lasting though do require changing or charging from time to time.

Tips to Use

  • Set them up according to the instructions. For the most part, this is a simple process and doesn't require professional help.

  • Run through how to perform the main tasks, eg. check the camera or open the door.

  • Check if you need wifi or have wifi, or will need a subscription service as part of the product.

  • Set alerts and notifications so the family can monitor exceptions as agreed.

  • Family members will need to install the app(s) on their own smartphones.

  • Decide who in the family will check battery levels, and charge or update the software periodically.


7. Smoke, Air, Water & Movement Detection


There are many excellent, reliable, smarthome products and sensors that can assist in detecting movement or lack of movement, water leaks, carbon monoxide, smoke and air quality, and open doors and windows. These can trigger notifications, alerts, alarms, or actions like turning off taps, and are helpful in a range of scenarios.


Why Use It

To give peace of mind to you and your family, help maintain independence, prevent incidents and reduce risk because there are checks replacing the uncertainty that causes loved ones to worry or to need to drive over.


Top Picks


Main Feature Choices

  • Depending on what you'd like to keep track of, options include door and window sensors, smoke, carbon monoxide, water leaks, and movement

  • This may be easier with the same brand, but if not there's likely no worry, as they can be connected to one of the main ecosystems ('standards') of managing smarthome products

  • It's best to connect all devices to one app or dashboard, to make it easier to manage - so see if this is possible eg. Apple Homekit, or Google Home

  • For some devices, there may be an optional subscription service, eg. to monitor smoke alarms if you wish to


Tips to Use

  • Get the family together to set up the devices, connect them to a central app, and give access to those who can help you or will respond.

  • Tailor the product to set up the parameters you care about, such as only detecting movement at night, or lack of movement in the morning hours when you would usually be awake by.

  • Agree on who will keep an eye on the alerts, or call each other, and how to get into the home if you need to in an emergency, such as a lockbox or smart lock.

  • Make a reminder to check batteries or upgrade software from time to time


 

Monitoring Health


8. Sleep and Oxygen


Sleep tracking devices such as a mat or a wearable device can non-invasively, continually measure levels such as sleep hours, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, movement, or apnea, which can give key insights into what might be affecting demeanor, alertness, or health. Always consult your doctor and follow their advice.


Why Use It

To understand what affects your health, and share it with a doctor or specialist to help diagnose, treat, or understand what's going on. Few of us operate well when these measures are not in a reasonable range, Alarms can also be set to wake you to turn over, or to alert caregivers.


Top Picks

Withings Sleep Mat, Google Nest (Sleep Sense), Oxylink Wearable with remote linker monitoring capability


Main Feature Choices

  • If it should be passive like a sleep mat, or be worn like a ring or bracelet

  • If you want to measure sleep from the bedside table (ie not on the bed, nor worn)

  • If you want remote monitoring in near real-time, for example, if there's a concern during illness or following a hospital discharge, or are happy to review the data subsequently

Tips to Use

  • Usually, a smartphone is required to register the device, however, the data can often be transferred from the product to a phone, later whenever the connectivity resumes, without any assistance (ie. the phone auto connects with the device when they are near to each other).

  • Consider how you want to use the data, for example, to review trends yourself, share the report with the doctor, or have a notification or alert triggered. These should not be considered life-saving devices as they may fail, or be left unworn or uncharged. Always consult your doctor.


9. Heart Health & Blood Pressure


Blood pressure monitors can be used to test, measure, and store heart health, which may help to understand, predict or reduce incidents. Testing might be done either routinely at the end of the day; when there is a concern such as fatigue or discomfort; or during visits by family or carers to help build a picture over time.


Reduced heart health can be a pre-condition or cause of vascular dementia, the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's.


Risk factors for vascular dementia include risk factors for the conditions associated with vascular dementia, such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, and atrial fibrillation (fast and irregular rate of the upper 2 heart chambers).


Specialists anticipate an increase in vascular dementia diagnosis due to an aging population and increased incidence of heart disease. [8]


Why Use It

To gain insight into heart health, to help prevent incidents, and to share with others for improved understanding and action.


Top Picks


Main Feature Choices

  • Size, portability, and ease of use for the person who will be using it most

  • Wrist or upper arm band

  • Tracking of history for a single user or multiple users

  • Whether a smartphone is needed or available to connect the device to a phone via Bluetooth so the readings will be stored in an app (ie the provider's app, or the smartphone health app), or if you're happy to store on the blood pressure device itself

  • The ease of sharing and interpreting the output. Always take advice from your doctors who will know what's best for your situation.

Tips to Use

  • Follow the instructions required, and involve your family, carers, and health professionals in testing, sharing, or interpreting the data and any actions required.

  • Your family may choose to develop routines of testing during visits or request a carer to do so. A reminder could also be set on a visual clock or another reminder system.


10. General Health


Two simple devices that are good for general health, are a digital thermometer for measuring temperature, and an otoscope to help with checking for ear and nose blockages - via a slimline camera. Hearing loss, ear wax, and blockages are closely entwined with symptoms of dementia, and cognitive decline, affecting nearly two-thirds of people in nursing homes. [9], [10]


Why Use It

  • It may help in supporting decisions, for you or those around you, for example, when to seek help.

  • Signs such as oxygen levels or temperature/fever may be valuable to track for trends over time

  • Easing respiratory congestion

Top Picks


Main Feature Choices

  • Ease of use is the main criteria

  • If the digital thermometer or oximeter should store the history on the device or connect via bluetooth to a phone or app to monitor, graph, and share

  • For an otoscope, consider if the device has its own camera, or check compatibility with the device you have, for example, an iPhone, iPad, Android device, or computer.


11. Wearables - Motivating Health & Activity


Wearables like smartwatches have the benefit of tracking health-related measures throughout the day and night, enabling a range of insights to be captured, and viewed holistically, such as heart rate, sleep, breathing, and blood oxygen levels, or the ability to take an ECG, This allows history to be graphed, sometimes providing a picture not possible otherwise. Devices may have the added benefit of GPS tracking and fall detection.


Why Use It

To keep track of activity and key health indicators; to share with family or health professionals to assist in health decisions; to motivate exercise, and to prevent further health complications. 91% of people with dementia have at least one other condition or co-morbidity, and nearly 30% have 4 or more co-morbidities. [8].


Top Picks


Main Feature Choices

  • The specific health features of interest eg. activity, blood oxygen or ECG

  • Level of accuracy required (eg. relative heart rate trends or clinical grade)

  • The number of additional functions required like GPS tracking, calling, etc

  • If the device should contain a 'sim' card to connect to calling services

  • Battery life per charge (eg. 12 hours or 30 days)

  • Watch face (for example digital or analog - as those with dementia may struggle with reading an analog clock face)


Tips to Use

  • Set up the device according to instructions, for example, height, and weight

  • Share with family or your doctor to help with the overall picture of your health

  • Ask a friend, partner, or carer to check the device is kept charged if you need that

  • Set up sharing automatically, or choose who can see your health data


12. Getting Around


Mobility aids can help with getting out and about locally, especially if a driver's license has been given up. Product choices include walking frames, fat-tired seniors' trike-bikes, and scooters.


Why Use It

To maintain fitness and connection with the community, especially in the early stages, which may be used alone or with a companion, and paired with a GPS tracker or personal SOS alarm.


Top Picks


Main Feature Choices

  • Choose according to your dexterity and balance, as dementia and Alzheimer's can be early-onset, and fitness may be quite ok.

  • Consider the size, portability, carry capacity of storage or baskets, and for scooters, the distance traveled per battery charge.

  • The speed settings can vary, and on some electric bikes and trikes, a maximum speed can be set.

  • Always wear a helmet and have appropriate lights and safety measures.


Tips to Use

Agree with your family about what your need is, what your capability is, whether it's to be used with a companion, keys removed for safety, or it's fine to use alone.


13. Entertainment, Information & Tasks

The three main suggestions here are voice assistants, tablets, and simplified music players/radios. These can assist with calm, enjoyment, entertainment, and productivity such as booking appointments, paying bills, learning, etc. Games for mental fitness and memory are widely available on voice assistants and tablets.


Why Use It

Helps with enjoyment, and a sense of staying connected to friends, family, support groups, news, and relaxation with mental health benefits.


Top Picks


Main Feature Choices

  • A home hub or voice assistant like Amazon Alexa or Google Nest Hub Max can be with or without a screen, we'd suggest with a screen.

  • Specialist Tablets can be purchased outright or rented as part of a monthly subscription including support.


Tips to Use

  • Consider what you want to achieve, for example cooking and recipes, music to listen to, new video's to watch, communities to contribute to or receive support, or whether you want to write a journal, pay bills, or work.

  • Once you've listed what's important or fun, start with the first few and get help setting them up. Mostly these will be available 'out of the box'.

  • Keep a brief list on paper, of what options you have to do things such as connect with friends or favorite hobby sites or communities, to jog your memory.

  • You may wish to share what you're learning or helping others with, to stimulate great conversations with your friends and family.


14. Photos & Memories


Dementia and Alzheimer's may diminish memories, however, it's possible to bring a feeling of joy and warmth, by surrounding ourselves with those we love.


There are three good product types to consider.

i) A new generation of digital photo frames that allows family across generations to share old memories or new daily adventures, including captions

ii) Lightweight photo walls can be ordered from a phone or computer, with an all-in-one service that prints lightweight frames and photos that can be stuck on a wall, and relocated as many times as needed for example from a hallway to a bedroom or care facility.


iii) Digital memory books, which can contain a life story, with photos, videos, captions, and music to flip through.


Why Use It

To remember how much you are loved, to label familiar (or not so familiar anymore faces), and to bring a human warmth and connection for carers and visitors to your home, who feel like they know you. Seeing photos, they will feel you are a loved, treasured sister, brother, parent, grandparent, and something of your adventures, talents, and gift to the world.


Having photos available enables carers to walk you through faces should you forget who's there, and put a face to who in the family they might be talking with.


Top Picks


See also services like Flipbuilder or any Photobook with text captions. There are some many templates around to help you create a life story, such as Alzheimers' (WA) guide here or Montessori Dementia ppt template here.


Main Feature Choices

  • A digital frame can be good for connecting across generations, and for the person with early stages or for their family or carers that may otherwise become isolated in helping care for you.

  • If moving pictures become confusing, therefore fixed photos or a digital memory book (for yourself or companions to flip and talk through with prompts of key times, places, and people)



15. VR

Virtual Reality enables, through special glasses or a headset, us to experience a real-world-like experience, almost as if we were there.


There are two interesting uses for VR and Dementia.

i) For family members to understand and experience dementia and Alzheimer's

ii) For those with dementia or Alzheimer's to invoke or re-live memories, such as towns they grew up in and may not visit again, or to have new experiences, such as scuba diving, watching or conducting a concert, or watching animals run free across the plains of Africa.


Virtual reality consists of a 'glasses' type headset and the content that you view through the headset.


Why Use It

In the first case, for friends or family surrounding a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer's for someone they love, it can have a powerful impact to understand how challenging it is for you or will become. Walking in the shoes of someone carrying this challenge can invoke a new level of patience and empathy. [13]


In the second case, VR experiences have been used to awaken memories of people [see video], bringing emotional and physiological benefits. VR, for example, has delivered positive physiological responses to reduce pain, and stimulate increased immunity during chemotherapy.


Top Picks.

Search also Dementia Empathy: VR Content to help understand Dementia. Dementia Singapore video and the accompanying 360 video VR guide for designing homes.


Main Feature Choices

  • For the lower-cost version, decide if the frames should be cardboard or plastic, and make sure that your phone model fits inside it.

  • More advanced VR devices have smart capabilities and access the content as part, or downloaded onto the device (like installing an app on a smartphone). They are a mini-computer of sorts

  • Have headphones in-built or will connect your own headphones

  • True virtual reality allows you to interact with an environment, such as taking a physical step and moving forward in the glasses as if you were there. The broader definition includes 360-degree video, where you can move your head in any direction and look around.


Tips to Use

  • Make sure you are seated, or that there is someone to help prevent falls due to balance or furniture in the way. Consider individual needs and personalities to determine what's likely to bring the best outcome in your situation.


How We Chose The Products



We've chosen these products carefully, based on a range of factors, including:

  • thousands of hours scanning and assessing the world's health, home, and assistive technology from hundreds of sources,

  • data from the stories and priorities of tens of thousands of visits to our community, and

  • input from health professionals and research data on the conditions and needs, which are largely referenced throughout



We also list selected soon-to-be-released and breakthrough products.