The phone rang at work—it was my mother, hysterical because she had just driven the wrong way to get to her house. My sister and I, both working and unable to provide full-time care, were uncertain as to what lie ahead, but certain that we were unprepared for it. That event was the first sign of a decline in mom’s competence and health that would ultimately span 10 years. It also marked the beginning of a 10-year training period for us, mom’s family.

During those 10 years, mom moved multiple times—from home to apartment to assisted living to skilled nursing facilities. Each move was wrenching, and each place required painful adjustments for my sister and me.

If you have clients who are experiencing painful adjustments while caring for a loved one with dementia, today there are tech tools available that can help them with these challenges.

In This Article, We’ll Cover:

• Is it dementia?
• Where clients can find support
• Tech tools for 3 stages of dementia

First, Is It Dementia?

A client's loved one may say or forget things that make them wonder if it’s dementia or just a normal part of aging. They should consider persuading their loved one to get an evaluation from a professional. If their loved one is hesitant, a self-assessment could be used to encourage a visit to a professional. A doctor can help determine the type and stage of dementia and whether it is likely to be Alzheimer’s disease or some other type. If it is Alzheimer’s disease (60-80% of those with dementia), there is typically a slow progression over time. The chances are good that their family member can remain at home through early stages, even continuing to live alone.

Second, Where Clients Can Find Support

If your client's loved one is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, they may need support. Help them find support groups. Additionally, a geriatric care manager can help your client plan and coordinate care.

As an additional form of support, clients can consider the use of technology. Technology can alert family members in the event of a problem and promote peace of mind. Technology can also help someone living with dementia to stay in his/her home longer, which is the wish of most people.

Third, Tech Tools for 3 Stages of Dementia

People can continue to live with dementia for years, and they go through different stages of the disease. Help clients understand the categories of technology that are most useful at each of the three stages of dementia described below.

The Early Stage of Dementia

In the early stages, your client and their family will worry. Even after a diagnosis, they'll continue to wonder whether it really is dementia and look for another test they can do at home. But maybe they'll also be concerned with the day-to-day activities of daily living (ADLs), especially if their loved one is living alone. Perhaps there is an unrelated health issue, and they're concerned about whether he/she is taking medications correctly or making it to medical appointments. Issues such as these can be addressed with calendar or reminder technologies.

If their loved one lives with them, they may want to acquire motion sensors or a smart doorbell to know when their loved one is out of bed or near the door.

If their family member is still driving, a smart phone app for turn-by-turn directions as well as a “wearable” to help their loved one find his/her way.

Finally, your client may want to focus on maintaining their loved one's quality of life at home, introducing smart speakers to play music at scheduled times, or even storytelling technology to help their loved one talk about themselves and their lives, which can be a comfort.

The Middle Stage of Dementia (all above plus the following):

When dementia progresses to the point where your client is concerned about their loved one getting lost, it may be time for them to discuss whether or not their loved one should be driving and encourage walking, if it’s an option. Their loved one’s loss of independence is difficult to confront, but for safety, it's critical.

At that point, a wearable with location tracking may help keep their loved one safe and reduce worry about getting lost near their home. Home safety needs to be addressed as well. Tools such as an automatic stove shutoff and a home alarm system with water detection for faucets that may be left running can help reduce risks.

From a health standpoint, it may make sense to have a medication reminder/dispensing system that both alerts about a dosage and only alerts/releases the appropriate medication at the right time.

The Advanced Stage of Dementia:

In the more advanced stages of dementia, a client's loved one might need an in-home care worker while you are out or at work. Or a client may need to hire a round-the-clock caregiver to help their loved one with meals, showers, dressing and other routines. Installing a remote camera may help provide peace of mind. Your client can also consider other tools that help comfort and relax their loved one. An adult day center that can provide a full day of activities and interactions for those with dementia is also a resource.

Should Your Client Just Move Mom (or Dad) to Assisted Living or a Nursing Home?

For most people, assisted living is not needed in the early stages of dementia. And it may be just too expensive. Assisted Living has a median cost of $48,000 per year nationwide, per person, and the nursing home average is more than $90K.¹ With the right in-home services, assisted living may be deferred or avoided. 

Takeaways to Help Clients Caring for a Loved One with Dementia

First, your clients should find out if their loved one has dementia. Ideally, a doctor should make that determination. Self-assessments can also help with the decision to see a doctor. Second, it will be challenging for your client to go through this experience alone. Suggest that they find a dementia caregiver’s support group and consider working with a geriatric care manager. Third, suggest they explore tech tools that can help them and their loved one through the various stages of dementia.

I Learned the Hard Way

When I cared for my mom, the tech tools described above weren’t yet created. As a result, we were on edge every time the phone rang, because we thought our mom needed help. Your clients don’t need to be. Today’s tools can help families cope and care for a loved with memory loss.

Since your client's loved one will likely want to remain in their home, help them find tech tools that can help them provide support for their loved one’s day-to-day life activities. But when memory care is needed, suggest that they learn about various care options before choosing a location near them.

Next Steps:

1. Download the client piece below and share it with clients who are providing care to loved ones with dementia
   
2. View or email a client version of this web page to clients
   
3. Research tech tools listed in the above charts
   

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