Using assistive technology

Assistive technology is a term for any devices, products and services which support you to live well with dementia.

Woman using a tablet with child

They may help you with mobility, hearing, self-care, vision, cognition, and communication.

Assistive technology can support – or even improve – your independence by helping you do things in your everyday life and help with difficulties you might have with memory and mobility.

AT may be physical products, such as:

  • Wheelchairs
  • Spectacles
  • Hearing aids
  • Prostheses
  • Walking devices
  • Continence pads

Or assistive technology might be digital software and apps which support communication like text-to-speech. It could also be changes to your home like a ramp or grab rails.

Why should I use assistive technology?

There are many reasons for you to use assistive technology. For example, it can help you engage your mind, enable you to be included and empower you to
take control of your life.

Find out more about Engage, Enable, Empower – Whakauru, Whakahohe,
Whakamana

Examples

Assistive technology can help improve different parts of your life and help you remain independent.

There are many small, everyday items which can make a big difference in your home – and they don’t have to be expensive or complicated.

Some examples are:

Memory aids

  • Whiteboards are useful for writing lists and reminders
  • So, too, are post-it notes – take the meat out of the freezer and then throw out post note once you have completed the task
  • Clocks with large faces are easier to read, can display the date, and whether it is day or night

Apps

  • The Thinkability app has several activities to stimulate conversation and interaction with a person with mild-to-moderate dementia. The activities are based on cognitive stimulation therapy. A series of themed activities help people continue to learn and stay socially engaged.
  • Lumosity has more than 50 games to help you improve skills like speed, memory, attention, flexibility, language, math and problem-solving.

Websites

  • Accessable supports people with disabilities and injuries by providing quality equipment and modifications to help them lead better lives, providing services in the Greater Auckland region and Northland.
  • Enable New Zealand supports disabled people and their whānau to live everyday lives in their communities, providing services in all other parts of the country.

Online stores and products

  • Easie Living is a one-stop-shop for information, advice and products to promote and enable independent living.
  • Memory Matters is a small Kiwi business based in Hamilton that supplies a wide array of AT products and gifts.
  • Allied Medical was founded in 1998 to create better access for people in Aotearoa to some of the world’s best assistive technology.
  • Independent Living Charitable Trust is a not-for-profit organisation that helps to make daily living easier for people with impairments, as well as their whānau, and support networks.
  • Kitcal is an easy-to-use tablet for seniors that includes them in the daily digital connectivity that younger generations take for granted and use constantly.

Share your story

There are many different apps and services that can help you record your journey.

  • My Life’s Journey – This app uses reminiscence therapy to guide users to record and reflect on moments that weave together the story of their life.
  • Moving Memories – Capture your whānau life stories and precious memories in a personal documentary (or video memoir).
  • Conversations on Life – The service provides an effortless biographical recording of anyone as a historical reference for each individuals’ friends and whānau – a service of enduring benefit as time goes by.
  • Cherished Memories – High quality storytelling, emotional music and a simple process to capture the unique story of a person’s life that can be watched and shared over and over with future generations.

Once you receive a diagnosis of dementia you should start using assistive technology as soon as you can so you can get used to it being part of your daily routine.

Disclaimer: Alzheimers NZ does not endorse or promote any particular products or services and these links are for information only.

More information