17 June 2022
By Graham Russell
Dementia statistics
In 2011, there were an estimated 298,000 people with dementia. This number is expected to increase markedly over time, with projections suggesting it will reach around 400,000 by 2020 and 900,000 by 2050. Dementia is a leading cause of death, accounting for 6% of all deaths in 2010. Total direct health and aged care services expenditure on people with dementia was at least $4.9 billion in 2009-10.
On 30 June 2019, about 183,000 people were in permanent residential aged care, and just over half (53%) had been diagnosed with dementia, based on the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s report on Dementia.
According to Dementia Australia, “Dementia is the term used to describe the symptoms of a large group of illnesses which cause a progressive decline in a person’s functioning. It is a broad term used to describe a loss of memory, intellect, rationality, social skills, and physical functioning. There are many types of dementia including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and Lewy body disease.”
How can we support patients with Dementia?
Aside from the support by carers, assistive technology can help support patients with Dementia.
It also supports the carers by removing unnecessary repetition to increase their productivity and be able to focus more on caring for people.
What is Assistive technology?
Assistive technology (AT) is a term for a piece of software program or equipment for the purpose to assist, adapt, and rehabilitate people or elderly with disabilities like residents who have dementia. It is a practical solution for them to be able to continue with their everyday life activities, promoting independence and safety.
Assistive technology at HSC Technology Group
HSC Technology Group provides Assistive Technology solutions that are integrated with our Talius™ Smart Care Platform.
Sleep Sense
One of the symptoms of Dementia is losing one’s body clock. Our product Sleep Sense can help patients with Dementia as it tracks the quality of sleep, monitors in and out of bed, aside from vital signs.
The Talius Sleep sense is an innovative, non-wearable sleep tracker that addresses the most critical areas of senior safety, fall prevention and health emergency alerts.
It’s placed under the frame of the bed and designed to increase safety.
This next-generation bed sensor measures BCG waves (ballistic forces generated by the heart) to provide real-time information and status on heart rate, breathing rate, quality of sleep, in-and-out of bed, pressure sore, and identify health risks during sleep.
Talius Track
Another symptom of Dementia is losing direction, wandering and getting lost. With the help of Talius Track, where we install gateways in homes to create a boundary for residents and carers or nurses will be able to track or trace them through the bracelets or beacons.
With the right technology, we can improve the way we care for patients or residents with Dementia.
To see our medical alarms or emergency alarms available, visit our products page.
Find out how Talius can help you and your business, call us at 1300 889 838, or email us at sales@hsctg.com.au.
