They then classified each product as “basic” or “advanced” and ranked them using the Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) tool. adhere statistics and charts and adherence rewards.Researchers identified 17 features as being desirable in medication reminder apps, including: In 2016, the George Institute for Global Health (an independent medical research institute headquartered in Australia) conducted a study on the best medication reminder apps. There are a variety of dementia reminder apps available, including in the Australian iTunes and Google Play stores. Others allow up to a month’s worth of medication to be prepared in the dispenser. Some also have different alarm tones and the ability to set multiple alarms during the day. Many of these are lockable, ensuring the correct dose is accessible at the right time. There are also automatic pill dispensers that have auditory prompts - essentially alarms - that are reminders that medicines are required at various times during the day. In their simplest form, they are dosette boxes that are labelled with the time and/or day of the week that medications are required. These come in a range of sizes and styles. Pill reminders for dementia patients in the form of pill dispensers can be a simple and cost-effective solution. The need for familiarity is also often important for dementia patients, so it is important to only change the things that need changing. Cost, appropriateness, accessibility and ease of use must also be considered, so you should consult your loved one’s healthcare team (GP, geriatrician etc.) in terms of the most appropriate supportive aid. Ideally, the person living with dementia is involved in the decision-making process and consents to use the supportive aid. With any form of care or support, there are a number of considerations to contemplate when deciding whether an item or aid is suitable for your loved one. Improving a carer’s quality of life and that of the person with dementia.Īre supportive aids suitable for your loved one?.Reducing premature entry into residential and hospital care.Supporting independence and choice for the person with dementia and those around them.Reducing the risk of medications being taken incorrectly or not at all.What are the benefits of supportive aids? In terms of assisting with medication reminders for dementia patients, they can range from pill dispensers and Webster packs to apps and personal trackers. Medication reminders are often referred to as “supportive aids” or “assistive technology” and they are any system or device that increases the ease with which a task can be performed or assists an individual to perform a task that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to do. For patients with cognitive impairment, the support of a carer to encourage or assist with medication administration is often essential. Carers should therefore aim to simplify the process as much as possible. Individuals can be often confused by the number and variety of medications they need to take, and adherence has been known to be associated with the complexity of their health requirements. Individuals with dementia often fall into the “unintentional” category due to confusion, misunderstanding or forgetfulness. It can be intentional, unintentional, or both. Non-adherence to medicines is common in patients with chronic disease and in those who are prescribed preventive medication. But why are medication reminders important with those suffering from dementia, and what are some of the medication reminders for dementia patients? Reasons for medication reminders But it can be concerning, particularly if you are not always with them to check on their well-being or you are moving parents to assisted living.Īlong with healthy eating for seniors, it is also essential that their medications are managed correctly. If you are a child or carer of an elderly person, your priority is their safety. Behavioural changes can include agitation, confusion and loss of memory.Īccording to Dementia Australia, there are currently over 472,000 Australians living with dementia, and many of those are elderly. It affects behaviour, thinking and the ability to perform everyday tasks, and brain function is affected enough to interfere with an individual’s normal working or social life. Dementia is not one specific disease - it describes a collection of symptoms caused by disorders affecting the brain.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |