We all have our own way of doing those essential, everyday tasks. Our Therapists want to find out how you like to get jobs done so that we can help you find the right gadget or systems to support you to be as independent as possible at home. Some people prefer to use clearly written instructions and calendars, or pictures to remind them how to complete a task. For some people ‘technology’ is the answer.
Mobile phones and tablets may be useful if you need prompting to guide you through the ‘when’ and ‘how’ to carry out everyday tasks. Simple reminders can be set up on your mobile phone or tablet to guide you through the tasks of the day.
Apps are being developed all the time and our Therapists are always looking out for new Apps that promote independence. We can show you the latest Apps that may help you to plan and remember your daily routine or step-by-step instructions to complete each task. See our Independent Living Centre reviews of apps for memory support
Talking clocks and watches may be the best way for you to manage timings for daily activities. We have mobile phones and clocks at the Independent Living Centre with these features, or we signpost you to Devon’s sensory services for advice about what you can purchase to help you be aware of time.
Electronic reminders can be purchased and set up to give you audible or visual reminders during the day to help you keep to your routine and remember appointments and visitors. We have some at the Independent Living Centre with generic or personalised reminders for tasks in the day or night. Some are set up using a memory stick, some can be set up and amended online by off-site family or carers.
Voice-activated assistants can be set up through smart home technology to respond to simple commands, to give information and they can also have reminders set up throughout the day. They can be set up to give simple instructions for recipes and other day-to-day tasks. The voice-activated assistants can also make contact with your friends, family, or local services through your mobile phone system or the internet. The person must be able to consent to the use of any listening equipment. Call us to find out more.
Movement sensors linked to a carer pager, a mobile phone, or a care alarm call centre, or can monitor movement around the home and alert a carer if that person has not followed their usual routine at home, as this might indicate a fall or lack of self-care. We can talk to you about other monitoring systems that may be useful to help someone live independently. The person must be able to consent to the use of any monitoring equipment.
Smart Home Technology can be used to support someone to live safely at home and we can talk you through the options, and show you movement sensors, door-opening sensors, CCTV, and voice-activated assistants. The person at home must be able to consent to the use of any listening or monitoring equipment.
Sensory loss. Devon has some great local services to support people with sensory loss to find equipment and solutions to stay safe and independent at home.
Devon in Sight (Devon Association for the Blind): www.devoninsight.org.uk
Jasmyn House Sensory Resource Centre For Torbay residents (Sight & Hearing): 01803 527776
See Hear Centre Barnstaple For North Devon residents (Living Options): 01271 373236
Sound Base: For Exeter and East Devon residents 01392 424018
Also the national Charity The Thomas Pocklington Trust can give information and advice about gadgets and appliances to help anyone living with sight loss www.pocklington-trust.org.uk