Assistive technologies for coping at home and increased quality of life for persons with dementia

This paper discusses technological opportunities for cognitive support, well-being, coping at home and quality of life for persons with memory problems. Examples are provided from two European AAL (Ambient Assistive Living) projects. Assistive technology (AT) can be applied to provide appropriate and personalized support to time-orientation, sensory awareness, communication and recreational activities (entertainment). Thus, boredom, loneliness and social isolation can be reduced. Loneliness, isolation and lack of daily social interaction are in fact well-known causes of difficulty with medication schedules and depression among the elderly and people with dementia. This, in turn, implies less healthy ageing.