The Community Mental Health Older People Service (CMHTOPS) support people over 65 who are dealing with mental health issues. This includes support for conditions like depression and anxiety, as well as memory-related conditions like dementia.
Part of the occupational therapists role within the CMHT OPS is to enable patients with dementia to safely live in their own home for as long as possible.
They were looking for a solution to support patients with later stages of dementia who are prone to wandering from the home during the day or night to remain in there home as long as possible.
Walking with short term memory problems (sometimes referred to as wandering) is one of the most difficult challenges for families caring for someone with dementia, which frequently results in people becoming lost, confused, disorientated and lost” said Sharon, an Occupational Therapist. "To support these families, we set out to create a library of technology solutions, with funding from Health Stars, that they could trial to see if they met their loved ones' needs. "
One of the items that we funded was a sensor alarm that notifies caregivers when a loved one or patient tries to leave a room or head outside. It can either sound an alert or send a quiet notification to a phone or device, giving caregivers the chance to step in and ensure their loved one’s safety.
"One family shared how the alarm has made a significant difference in keeping their loved one safe and can now take part in activities in other rooms without constantly worrying that their wife and mother might leave the house,” said Sharon.
‘’Another family shared that it gave him peace of mind, as often through the night his wife would exit the door when he was asleep, and they live near a very busy main road. This ensured that he could also rest whilst knowing that the alarm would wake him up.’’
These examples from caregivers highlights how this technology can help people living with dementia safe and remain at home longer and with greater dignity.
