You take the high-tech and I’ll take the low tech… Edward McLaughlin Scottish Dementia Working Group ADI March 2012 Introduction: Hello good morning, I’m Edward McLuaghlin, SDWG member, for 10 years, thanks for invitation The way I cope is (philisophical): Life isn’t fair but its still good! When in doubt take small steps. You don’t have to win every argument. Its ok to let your kids see you cry, never too late to have a happy childhood just remember the 2nd one’s up to you When it comes to ignoring love in your life don’t take no for an answer, You might lose but it’ll be hell of a fight Don’t save anything for a special occasion, todays special Don’t wait til old age to be eccentric Most important sex organ is your brain No one’s in charge of your own happiness but you What other people think of you is none of your business Don’t take yourself so seriously, nobody else does Growing old beats the alternative, dying young Can look after self, no caregiver needed, can’t complain! Awareness and reality, what’s happening in your day people would be jealous because you’re actually very lucky.

HOW A DIAGNOSIS OF DEMENTIA MAY CHANGE DAY TO DAY NEEDS Memory problems Problems with depth of vision and peripheral vision Mobility Fatigue AM/PM people Many daily tasks can become difficult What are the solutions?

SIMPLE TECHNOLOGY THAT CAN HELP AROUND THE HOUSE - Kitchen and Bathroom Large handled cutlery, 2-handled mugs Non-slip mats/ One-touch automatic can/ jar opener Smoke alarms fitted with flashing lights Bath temperature and water level indicator Talking tins Images taken from essentialaids.com and rnib.org.uk

ASSISTED TECHNOLOGY Hob Angel Promotes independent living through safe cooking

SIMPLE TECHNOLOGY THAT CAN HELP AROUND THE HOUSE - Electronic devices Startaboard high contrast keyboard Big button talking telephone TV based video magnifiers Recordable greeting cards Talking calculator Universal remote control Images taken from essentialaids.com and rnib.org.uk

SIMPLE TECHNOLOGY THAT CAN HELP AROUND THE HOUSE - General Game sets Signature/envelope guide Large faced clock/talking clocks Book stand with light Glowmat Images taken from essentialaids.com and rnib.org.uk

SIMPLE TECHNOLOGY FOR LEAVING THE HOUSE Key turner and Key locators Recording devices (e.g. for shopping lists) Medi alert and Help card Note detector and coin holders Big button mobile phones Images taken from essentialaids.com and rnib.org.uk

ULTIMATE GOAL SHOULD BE THE FACILITATION OF A GOOD QUALITY OF LIFE Use of practical, simple devices Promotion of dignity Does not need to be high tech Low tech vs. high tech

ULTIMATE GOAL SHOULD BE THE FACILITATION OF A GOOD QUALITY OF LIFE (2) Importance of sharing ideas to enhance freedom and confidence to be independent Alzheimer’s and related dementia research discussion group Allows those diagnosed and their carer’s to share and discuss problems and successes with others, and professionals Reduces isolation Excellent for countries with poor facilities

COMMON SENSE VS. PROMOTION OF ELABORATE TECHNOLOGY??? Many things are appropriate for everyone not just those with dementia!