Dementia care products considered
Published on 27 April 2012 09:30 AM
People with dementia could have a number of innovative products to help them manage their condition in the future.
The Department of Health and the Design Council are considering a number of prototypes to help people with dementia, including plug-in scent sprays which could emit fragrances three times a day to trigger hunger, while wristband alarms could alert care services if the patient suffers a fall.
Perhaps most encouraging is the possibility of training dogs to help people with dementia in a similar way that canines can assist blind and deaf people.
Efforts to help carers find flexible work and have online groups help ease the care burden were also under consideration at the first meeting of the Dementia Friendly Communities Champion Group recently.
Care Services Minister Paul Burstow, who unveiled the designs, said: 'Fear of dementia can leave people feeling powerless and trapped, leaving them isolated and unsupported. That is why we have worked with the Design Council to drive innovation in dementia care.
'The five winning ideas have the potential to make a big difference for people with dementia and their families.'
Dementia cases are on the rise in England and at present there are over 670,000 people with dementia in the country.
Copyright Press Association 2012