Essential Products for Dementia Care: Empowering Caregivers and Enhancing Safety, Comfort & Independence

Living with dementia can be difficult, both for individuals living with the condition as well as those caring for them. Dementia affects a person’s memory and other aspects of their cognition. Over time, these impairments make it difficult for the patients to carry out everyday tasks. As such, even the simplest of tasks including getting dressed, and remembering names and objects become challenging.

It is important to note, however, that dementia is in itself not a single disease but an umbrella term for a group of brain conditions that affect a person’s cognition. This means that for a person with dementia, symptoms including loss of memory and reasoning as well as a change of behavior are expected. A number of conditions may cause dementia. However, Alzheimer’s disease remains the most common. While the disease may affect any age group, it is most commonly seen among the old. Nonetheless, it is important to note that dementia itself is not a part of the normal aging process but represents a pathological state (National Institute on Aging, 2023).

Due to the various impairments associated with dementia, caring for someone with dementia can be demanding. Fortunately, though, a few products have been designed to make life easier for people with dementia and their caregivers. This article explores these essential products, telling you all you need to know about them.

Date and Time Tools

Disorientation is one of the earliest symptoms of dementia. This is particularly true regarding keeping track of dates and times. People with this condition may lose track of the time of the day it currently is. They may also forget what day, month, or year they are currently. This may cause them to forget key events in the future or even forget that some things have already happened. This can be challenging, causing them to be anxious and confused often. To avoid this, the caregiver must constantly remind and redirect the person. However, this can be pretty challenging even for the most experienced caregivers.

Date and time tools bridge this gap by providing valuable assistance. They include products like digital clocks, calendars, and reminder systems. Their features are specifically designed to ensure that they provide ease for these patients and their caregivers.

Some of the products under this category include:

  • Day/NightClock
  • Day Clox
  • Reminder Rosie
  • Wall Clock
  • Desk Clock
  • DayClocks
  • 2‐in‐1 Calendar and Day Clock
  • Day Clock

Wandering Devices

Wandering is also another common problem for individuals with dementia. The problem can also be potentially dangerous. As the cognitive impairment of an individual with dementia progresses, such an individual may wander away from home or surroundings that are familiar. This may be due to confusion, disorientation, or a desire to go to an environment that is familiar even though they are already in one. During these occurrences, such individuals may get lost, sustain injuries, or get exposed to dangerous environments.

The risk of wandering also affects the caregiver. This is because it places them in a constant state of worry and anxiety. To always ensure that a dementia patient does not wander off, the caregiver may need to keep a watchful eye 24/7. However, not only is this impossible, it is also exhausting. Wandering devices help provide the necessary assistance needed to prevent wandering. As a result, these devices not only ensure that the patient is safe but they also grant the caregivers peace of mind.

Some products in this category include:

  • Safetracks GPS Watch
  • GPS Freedom Watch
  • GPS Mx-LCOCare Watch
  • Memory Boxes
  • Door Mural Item
  • Medical Alert ID Bracelet
  • SAFENBED
  • Door Alarm
  • Bed and Chair Pad Alarms

Safety Devices

Owing to their vulnerability, ensuring the safety of individuals with dementia is a very important aspect of their care. The progressive impairment of memory and other aspects of cognition may predispose individuals to dangerous situations. It could also make it difficult for them to recognize these situations as dangerous. Safety devices are built specifically to prevent these risks. These devices work by creating a safe environment for persons with dementia.

Several products fall under this category. They include:

  • Pill Dispensers
  • Fire Avert
  • Door Locks
  • Antiscalding devices
  • Refrigerator Latch
  • Invisible cabinet lock
  • Safe Glider Rocker
  • Simple Lifting Aid
  • Safe Wander
  • I have a condition cards
  • Please be patient cards

Animated Pets

Before now, pets have been used in therapeutic settings for various conditions. In the context of dementia care, animated/robotic pets are recognized for their ability to provide comfort and emotional support. Research suggests that dementia patients who use animated pets report a better sense of companionship and security (Fogelson et al., 2021). Patients find comfort in cuddling these pets. In addition to these, however, animated pets have also been found to be useful in stimulating the cognitive function of patients with this condition (Klimova et al., 2019).

Below are a few examples of products in this category:

  • Playmate Pets | Animated Robotic Therapy Dogs & Cats
  • MetaCat | Interactive & Robotic Pet for Seniors
  • Playmate Pets – Golden Pup
  • Playmate Pets – Tabby Cat
  • Perfect Petzzz Lab Retrievers

Activities

As already established, cognitive decline is a significant feature of dementia. However, with the right activities, not only is it possible to keep patients with dementia engaged but it is possible to improve their cognition. These activities act in different ways. For instance, puzzles, memory games, and word exercises help challenge the brain. By engaging the brain, these activities may help to stimulate neural pathways and therefore help slow down the rate of decline of these pathways (Woods et al., 2023). Similarly, patients may be able to access past memories through recall games (Ismail et al., 2021). Some examples of products in this category include:

  • 36 Piece Puzzles
  • Four Piece Puzzles
  • Sound Puzzles
  • Memory Jogging Puzzles
  • 24 Piece Puzzles
  • Handyman’s Box
  • Emotion Cards
  • ConversaƟon Picture Cards

Bathing and Bedding

Maintaining proper hygiene is an essential human requirement. However for patients with dementia, like many other things, this poses a significant challenge. This is because the cognitive and sensory decline that comes with the progression of dementia makes simple tasks like washing or showering confusing for the patient. During these activities, patients may appear confused, anxious, and overwhelmed. As a result, patients may get agitated and appear to be headstrong. For the caregiver, this may be frustrating and stressful.

Aside from the risk of developing poor hygiene, dementia also makes the patient susceptible to developing sleep disorders. This is due to the anxiety and restlessness that comes with this condition. Unfortunately, lack of proper rest and sleep creates a vicious cycle. This is because a lack of proper rest and sleep worsens the patient’s condition. With worsened symptoms, the patient will experience more anxiety and restlessness which in turn will result in poor sleep quality.

Dementia products in this category help ensure proper hygiene and sleep quality for patients with dementia. Some of the products in this category include:

Sensory Weighted Blanket for Anxiety

Weighted Wrap | Calming Sensory Therapy

Dining

Eating and maintaining proper nutrition is essential for every individual including people living with dementia. However, like other things, we have seen thus far, this activity becomes increasingly difficult as dementia progresses. Patients may forget to eat or lose the ability to recognize when they are hungry or thirsty. This results in poor nutritional intake and dehydration. It gets even worse for patients who report impairment in fine motor skills. This is because for these patients, maintaining the fine motor coordination required to feed may be difficult. Challenges with feeding put the caregiver in a dilemma How do they assist with meals in a way that maintains the dignity of the patient while ensuring that they get the adequate nutrition they require? Fortunately, there are specialized products designed for dementia patients that can help in this regard.

Examples of products under this category include:

  • NEATsheets
  • Drinking Straws
  • Adaptive Eating Utensil Set
  • Weighted Cutlery
  • Placemats
  • Senior Sippin’ Spouts

Conclusion

In conclusion, dementia is a neurocognitive disorder that can present with a decline in cognition for people with the condition. This decline worsens with the progression of the disease. However, with a decline in cognition also comes difficulty with carrying out activities the person was initially able to carry out. At some point, this difficulty begins to manifest as an inability to even perform the most basic task without assistance. This can be frustrating for the patient. Due to the demand that comes with taking care of people with dementia, caregivers also share in the burden that comes with the disease. Nonetheless, modernization has ensured that the difficulty that comes with living or taking care of a person with dementia can be minimized. With a few products that aim to address specific aspects of the individual’s life the burden that comes with the disease can be reduced.

FAQs

What factors should I consider when choosing a product for dementia?

When choosing products to assist with dementia care it is important to consider a few key factors. These factors ensure that the selected product is not only functional but also meets the unique needs of the individual and their caregivers. Here are a few key factors to consider:

  • Stage of Dementia: In the early stage individuals may have greater independence and cognitive ability. As a result, simpler tools such as reminder clocks or pill organizers may suffice. However, with even worse cognitive decline in later stages more advanced products like locks or reminder systems with alarms may be necessary.
  • Ease of Use: It is important to choose products that are easy to operate for both individuals with dementia and their caregivers. For one, consider going for devices with large buttons, simple interfaces with large fonts, and clear labeling.
  • Compatibility with medications: When choosing products it is important to consider how they will work with patients’ current medication. For instance, a pill organizer should be large enough to accommodate the different pills the patient will take.
  • Battery Life: It is important to consider devices with long-lasting rechargeable battery life. This will be useful in the event of a power outage.

How do I know when to start using dementia care products?

It’s important to begin using dementia care products when you notice that daily tasks become increasingly difficult for the individual. Some early warning signs may include confusion with time, difficulty dressing, and forgetfulness.

How can I ensure the safety of my loved one while using these products?

It’s important to regularly monitor how well the products are functioning and ensure they are used correctly. For instance, you should ensure that you regularly check GPS watches to ensure that they are fully charged. Similarly, safety devices like door alarms should be regularly tested to ensure that they are fully operational.

References

Fogelson, D. M., Rutledge, C., & Zimbro, K. S. (2021). The Impact of Robotic Companion Pets on Depression and Loneliness for Older Adults with Dementia During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 40(4), 089801012110646. https://doi.org/10.1177/08980101211064605

Ismail, S., Dodd, E., Christopher, G., Wildschut, T., Sedikides, C., & Cheston, R. (2021). The Content of Nostalgic Memories Among People Living with Dementia. The International Journal of Aging and Human Development, 94(4), 436–458. https://doi.org/10.1177/00914150211024185

Joy For All Companion Robotic Pets | Pet Therapy for Alzheimer’s and Dementia | Animated Pets that Move, Purr and Bark | Ageless Innovation | Alzstore. (n.d.). AlzStore.com. https://www.alzstore.com/alzheimers-companion-pet-therapy-p/0604.htm

Klimova, B., Toman, J., & Kuca, K. (2019). Effectiveness of the dog therapy for patients with dementia – a systematic review. BMC Psychiatry, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2245-x

National Institute on Aging. (2023). Memory Problems, Forgetfulness, and Aging. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/memory-loss-and-forgetfulness/memory-problems-forgetfulness-and-aging

Woods, B., Rai, H. K., Elliott, E., Aguirre, E., Orrell, M., & Spector, A. (2023). Cognitive stimulation to improve cognitive functioning in people with dementia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2023(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd005562.pub3

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