THE age of technology is not just about smartphones and googling. Smart technologies are revolutionising care for those with dementia.
Aged care provider Feros Care is leading the way in using innovative technologies to improve independence and quality of life for people with dementia in their own home, and providing support for carers.
Feros Care chief executive Jennene Buckley said assistive technology helped reduce the risk of users being readmitted to hospital or going into long-term care.
“With no existing cure for dementia we must look toward technology to allow people with dementia to live independently in their homes for as long as possible,” Jennene said.
“Technology is already available to help people with dementia be guided through their home, being prompted to take small actions that make them safer and alerting their carers or a response centre if they are in danger.”
Feros Care’s growing range of LifeLink Telecare Smart Home technologies provides assistive products that support seniors and their carers by addressing specific needs, promoting independence, encouraging social interaction, memory support and health management.
Feros Telecare includes a range of care and environmental sensors that can assist in managing risks associated with the health and home environment of a person with dementia, with sensors automatically alerting a response centre, family or a carer if an alarm is activated.
These include:
• GPS watches and wearable technologies: (can locate a person if they wander or are lost).
• Smoke and gas detectors.
• Flood sensors (detect if taps are left on).
• Property exit sensors (alert a response centre or carer in pre-determined situations, for example if a client leaves the house after dark, or doesn’t return home by a certain time, or if the front door is left open).
• Bed sensors and night lighting (detect if a fall happens).
• Sensor mats, pagers and pillow shakers (allow carers to sleep and be alerted of any night-time wandering).
• Inactivity sensors (alert a carer if the person has long periods of inactivity at home).
• Touchcreen technology (tablets, apps and interfaces for brain games, video calls, photos and reminiscence therapy)
• Feros Care, 1300-763-583, www.feroscare.com.au or www.lifelinkresponse.com.au
