It’s nearly impossible to quantify the impact technologies have had on the world over the past two decades. But what about its impact on the world of senior living communities? Specifically in a memory care community, like Country Meadows Connections Memory Support Services™ neighborhood? Here, too, technology has arrived, and it’s given staff, family and friends new ways to support, care for, connect and communicate with loved ones in memory care. Technology, especially when used in conjunction with the Validation Method, can help loved ones with memory loss continue to engage in daily life with more enjoyment and less anxiety and worry.
Here are a few of the technologies we use at Country Meadows, as well as a glimpse into the future of what AI and technology might offer loved ones living in a memory care community.
Tover Table
The Tover Table (Tovertafel), an award-winning technology from the Netherlands, is one of our interactive technologies that allow residents to be fulfilled and successful when participating. The game console requires minimal hand movements so it’s easy for residents in our memory care community to engage in active play like brushing drifting leaves aside or pushing the image of a soccer ball into a goal. It benefits loved ones receiving memory care services by helping to increase alertness and focus while reducing restlessness.
There are five levels of play so it’s good for people with minimal memory loss as well as people further along in their journey. It’s also a great way for people to share fun times during family visits to our memory care community, especially children looking for ways to connect with their loved one.
Robotic Pets
Robotic pets have been shown to soothe the anxiety, loneliness and even depression that some people with memory loss or dementia experience. Puppies that bark, wag their tails and cuddle, or kitties that purr when their hypoallergenic fur is petted, provide opportunities for loved ones in a memory care community to become a nurturer. Many find both comfort and connection when interacting with robotic pets.
While residents in our Connections Memory Support Services do enjoy visits from live therapy animals, robotic pets replicate the pet experience for people who are unable to care for a real pet 24/7.
AI Can Help Caregivers and Staff Improve Health Outcomes
With memory loss, and advancing dementia, often comes confusion and miscommunications. This is a particular challenge when a senior in a memory care community also has a chronic illness or condition, or another health concern.
New technology, in the form of wearable, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered digital health platforms that utilize machine learning algorithms, can measure changes in activity and behavior. This means even the most basic health and activity tracker, usually a watch, could be a useful tool for proactive interventions.
A loved one in a memory care unit might not tell you that they are taking shorter walks, or sitting and looking out the window more often, but wearable health platforms can gather data and present it to staff and caregivers so any changes or concerns can be addressed sooner.
The Future of Technology in Memory Care Communities
In the Netherlands, Eindhoven University of Technology’s Rens Brankaert is creating warm technology, a term the research team prefers to “robots.” The goal is to enhance human connection, particularly for people in senior care communities and those dealing with memory loss or dementia.
One of the most promising creations is Vita, a patchwork pillow with vinyl panels, currently being designed in grays and blues with yellow accents. It works when someone passes their hand over a patch and a sensor detects their presence. It then plays a personalized, familiar soundscape, such as church bells ringing or a favorite melody. Family members and caregivers can select the sounds they think will resonate with the user. A general sound set containing several more generic sounds, such as chirping birds or beach sounds, is also available.
Research revealed that Vita stimulated exploration and discovery by some people experiencing significant memory loss, and that the soundscapes evoked joy and connection. However, since individuals in a memory care community are on their own journey, there were some seniors in the early stages of dementia who found Vita childish.
This isn’t surprising. Research demonstrates that “technology-based solutions need to be accepted and used by the intended users. In order to design new digital applications users are interested in and willing to use, user-centered design processes are often used.”
The future of any technology in a memory care community rests on validating that members of the community, with their technological likes and dislikes, is at the center of the interaction, is unique and worthwhile.
Country Meadows Retirement Communities offers memory care, plus independent living, assisted living/personal care and restorative care in Pennsylvania and in Frederick, Md. We have a vibrant memory care community life and a wide range of amenities including professionally prepared meals, scheduled transportation and support with daily activities and personal care as needed.
Each community has a team of local experts to help answer questions you may have about Country Meadows, or senior living in general. Call our friendly co-workers and ask them about the Connections Neighborhood at Country Meadows? Or schedule a tour to learn more.
