There is a big debate over whether dementia patients should have access to phones. On one hand, some people argue that phones can provide a sense of connection and help to reduce loneliness.
On the other hand, others worry that phones can be a distraction and cause confusion for dementia patients. In this blog post, we will explore both sides of the argument and give you our opinion on the matter.
What should you not do with dementia?
There are a few things to keep in mind if your loved one does have a phone.
First, you should avoid having long conversations on the phone. Dementia patients often have trouble following along with extended conversations. Instead, try to keep your conversations short and to the point.
Second, you should make sure that all of the phone numbers your loved one has stored in their phone are ones that they can actually reach. Dementia patients often forget how to dial numbers, so having easily accessible contacts is important.
Third, you should consider getting a safety app for your loved one’s phone. There are a few different apps on the market that can help you to track your loved one’s location and send alerts if they wander off.
Can technology help dementia patients?
While phones can be a source of confusion for some dementia patients, there are also ways that technology can help to improve their quality of life.
For example, many people with dementia find music to be soothing. There are a few different apps that allow you to create a custom playlist for your loved one. There are also apps that can help with memory recall. For example, there are apps that allow you to store photos and memories. You can also find apps that provide cognitive stimulation exercises.
There are also apps that can help protect dementia patients. Installing a location tracker app on the patient’s phone could help keep tabs on their whereabouts. Apps like iSharing allows family members and caretakers to check the location of the dementia patient, as well as setting up smart and easy alerting tools for when they walk out.
What Cell Phones for Dementia Patients are there?
There are a few different cell phone options for dementia patients. The first option is a flip phone. Flip phones are simple and easy to use, and they don’t have a lot of bells and whistles. They are perfect for people who need a basic phone that is easy to operate.
The second option is a smartphone. Smartphones are more complex than flip phones, but there are a few features that can be helpful for dementia patients. For example, many smartphones have large icons and an easy-to-use interface.
The third option is a specialized dementia phone. These phones are designed specifically for people with dementia. They often have large buttons and a simplified interface.
Do phones make your memory worse?
For a long time, psychologists have claimed that stress might cause amnesia or harm memory function. That is not the only cause, though. In humans, continual phone usage has been linked to memory loss.
While more research needs to be done on the matter, it is possible that phone usage could cause memory problems in dementia patients.
So, what’s the verdict?
After taking a look at both sides of the argument, we believe that whether or not a dementia patient should have a phone is a decision that should be made on a case-by-case basis.
At the end of the day, whether or not you give your loved one a phone is up to you. There are pros and cons to both sides of the argument. Ultimately, you know your loved one best and you will be able to make the decision that is right for them.
If you do decide to give your loved one a phone, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Make sure you have short conversations, store easily accessible numbers, and consider getting a safety app.
What are your thoughts on this topic? Let us know in the comments below!
