[This abstract first appeared in: Dementia: the Latest Evidence Newsletter (RWHT) Volume 1 Issue 5 December 2010].
Abstract
The Foundation for Assistive Technology (FAST) promotes the use of assistive technologies for people with dementia and their carers, including innovations such as “smart” home adaptations, telecare, memory aids, monitoring and / or tracking devices. The purpose of these technologies is to enhance autonomy and well-being, enabling people to live independently for a longer period of time.
“Assistive Technology is defined as any product or service designed to enable independence for disabled and older people”.
Just a few of the projects mentioned in this report include:
COGKNOW: Helping People with Mild Dementia Navigate Their Day, experimenting with the COGKNOW Day Navigator to enhance the autonomy and quality of life for dementia sufferers.
COGWORKS: The Cognitive Health and Wellbeing Hub, using a variety of approaches to improving the built environment; brain training; and obstacles to the use of assistive technologies. The project has tried using digital jewellery to help maintain “personhood”.
MPVS: The Mobile Phone-based Video Streaming system, using a mobile phone-based system to supply a wide range of memory cues and a “virtual carer”.
Reference
Research and development work relating to assistive technology 2009-10: presented to Parliament pursuant to section 22 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970. London; Department of Health, November 2010.
