Gavin Bashar, UK MD from Tunstall Healthcare, discusses the important role of medical alert systems, activity monitoring and health monitoring in improving care delivery and maintaining the health and well-being of those affected by dementia. . Currently, 850,000 people in the UK are living with dementia, but that number is expected to reach 1.6 million by 2040 due to the aging population. Caring for someone with dementia can be difficult, and this has only been exacerbated by COVID-19. However, technology is available to support care delivery and ensure that people receive the care they need to live healthy, happy, high-quality lives. Technology can make care easier, even during a global health crisis, and allow people with dementia to stay in familiar surroundings for as long as possible. They can enjoy a better quality of life for longer, and the people who care for them can more easily provide valuable support. As we understand more about dementia in its various forms, it is clear that enabling technology has the potential to make a significant and positive difference in the lives of people with dementia and in the ability of our health and social care to respond effectively. to your needs. .
Why technology?
Technologies such as medical alert, telehealth and telehealth systems offer an excellent opportunity to improve the quality of life for people with dementia. When properly implemented, technology can allow vulnerable people to remain independent, safe, and socially engaged with their friends, family, and community. Also, people with dementia can use technology to get more choices about their care and make sure it's right for them. However, technology should always be seen in the context of complementarity of care and support to a person, rather than as a replacement for human interaction, as it can leave users feeling isolated and alone. Medical alert systems and other technologies not only provide many benefits for people with dementia, but also for their caregivers. When telecare is introduced, it can allow carers to improve their relationship with the person they care for, the ability to carry out activities outside of their carer role, and the peace of mind that the person they care for is safe and comfortable. To fully reap the benefits of technology in dementia care, it must be introduced as early as possible and tailored to the specific needs of each individual. Getting the right support as soon as possible will allow users to continue living in an environment of their choice for as long as possible, with complete independence and dignity. In addition, the range of available technologies is constantly increasing, making early diagnosis essential so that the correct systems can be put in place to provide insight into behavior patterns and enable effective care planning.
The role of technology in care
Technology has a key role to play in improving the quality of care, increasing the capacity of key services and flexibility in the way care is delivered. This will make dementia care more proactive and predictive, and help meet current and future challenges. Technology is a catalyst, and as our population ages and more and more people are affected by dementia, it will enable more effective daily monitoring, so that vulnerable people can live independently and be kept out of residential care for the as long as possible. Alert systems, as well as health and activity monitoring, can be adapted to people's needs and automatically monitor risks within the home, such as falls or fires. Vulnerable people can also request emergency assistance, 24 hours a day, from various interested parties. In addition, operators can proactively call service users, check on their well-being, offer advice and support caregivers. Assistive technology enables sophisticated remote monitoring and proactive care planning, ensuring care is provided when it is most needed. Discreet monitoring of home activity over time, such as frequency of kitchen and bathroom use, can detect any deterioration in well-being at an early stage and enable interventions that may reduce or delay the need for a more complex care. Similarly, remote monitoring of vital signs and symptoms can give an early indication of deteriorating health, and doctors can view the data via an online portal to identify those most in need of intervention. .
Technology in practice
Organizations across the UK are working to help people with a wide range of needs to use technology for services. The Hertfordshire Telecare service helps nearly 4,000 people in Hertfordshire to live more independently, many of whom suffer from dementia. A patient who calls Norman to protect his privacy suffers from vascular dementia and lives alone, although his daughter lives nearby. Technology helps keep her safe and at home and reassures her daughter. Discrete telecare sensors in his home will automatically trigger an alarm at the 24-hour surveillance center if they detect flooding, fire, or carbon monoxide at Norman's home, and have also triggered installed egress property sensors that will notify the center if an outside door is opened. A specially trained operator at the center can speak to Norman through the Lifeline unit's speakerphone to assess the situation and make sure Norman is okay. If the operator can't get a response, she can contact Norman's daughter or the British Red Cross response service to verify. Norman also has a GPS tracking device, which allows her daughter to locate him if she leaves the house and can't find her way. With the telecare service, this has already helped Norman to be quickly found and returned to her home, avoiding him being in danger. It also means that Norman can stay in her own home, instead of being admitted to a care facility for her own safety. You can read more about how Tunstall Healthcare helps dementia patients here. Gavin Bashar, UK Managing Director of Tunstall Healthcare