It’s the first time ever that an exclusive app is being developed to help those who’re suffering from dementia. The researchers are developing the app in order to improve the environment at workplaces, public places and homes for people suffering from dementia. The app is being devised by the researchers at the University of Stirling in Britain. It will digitally monitor how suitable a home, care facility or other place is for the older people and those suffering from dementia. It will also suggest changes to make it comfortable for the patients.
Lighting of the room, colour and noise level can affect a dementia patient’s life quality as well as his ability to live independently. It will only take 20 minutes for the app to access the environment thoroughly for an older person, the researchers say.
"This is a unique opportunity to revolutionise how we improve day-to-day life for older people and people living with dementia around the world. We are creating a simple way for anyone to assess how dementia-friendly their environment is, and find out how to improve their surroundings," said Lesley Palmer, Chief Architect at Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) in Britain.
People living with dementia, family members, healthcare professionals, construction experts or designers using the app, will be asked questions about their environments, and asked to take photos.The dementia database, called IRIDIS, will suggest changes ranging from changing a light bulb, to more complex improvements such as reconfiguring bathrooms.
"Typically, people living with dementia have greater demands on the health care services and providing guidance on how to adapt living conditions allows people to stay independent for longer and future proofs housing for autonomous living," Palmer said.
"With around 50 million people estimated to be living with dementia worldwide, there is an immediate need to invest in our ageing population and provide improved services and facilities," she added.The data within the IRIDIS app will also make recommendations on property design and refurbishment for construction professionals, the researchers noted.
(With IANS Inputs)
