Choosing the right product

Please read the following information carefully before purchasing a daily living aids product.

Choosing the right product

People react differently to different products. For example, one person might find it helpful to have a recorded message that plays when they open the front door, reminding them to take their keys, while another person might find this confusing. Some people may also be wary of trying new things or find it difficult to learn new skills. Choosing the right product is therefore not always an easy task. The products you purchase should suit the individual and their situation.

Professional advice

The information in the catalogue and on our website should not be considered medical guidance or professional advice. Before buying products it is advisable to contact an occupational therapist or GP, or the local authority social services department. Your local social services department may be able to supply you with some of the products we sell, so check with your local office to see whether they can. Even if they can’t provide the products, the person with dementia may be eligible for a proper assessment, help in finding the best product or financial assistance.

Helpful tips

• Aim to find solutions that can be integrated into a normal routine with minimum disruption.

• If buying products for someone else, involve the person with dementia in decisions about which product or solution to use, and take their opinions on board.

• There is a higher chance of success if you can introduce assistive products when dementia is still at an early stage, to gradually get used to a new way of doing things.

Ethical considerations

Assistive products should enhance and enable independence but they do have the potential to produce less positive outcomes. For example, if a product is misused it may replace human contact with the person with dementia, or restrict rather than enhance their freedom of movement. Some people might even find that the very presence of the product reminds them about their memory problems, which can cause distress.

Deciding together

Importantly, no one should be forced into using a product if it is not right for them. The person with dementia must be involved in the decision making and their consent sought and given, where possible. Where it is not possible to obtain consent, it is vital that those making the decisions do so in the person’s best interests. The Mental Capacity Act (2005) provides a legal framework to support decision-making in cases where a person does not have the capacity to make their own informed decisions.

Always speak to your healthcare professionals before buying

Information on assistive technology

You will find lots of helpful fact sheets on our website, including fact sheets on the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and assistive technology, visit alzheimers.org.uk/factsheets

At alzheimers.org.uk you can also find Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia friendly technology charter. This is aimed at people with dementia, their carers and the professionals who look after them. It covers a wide variety of assistive technology products and has case studies that provide examples of how technologies can help people in particular situations and the key questions to ask.

Atdementia.org.uk is an independent charity that offers a web-based information resource on assistive technologies for people living with dementia.

Information, advice and support

National Dementia Helpline for England, Wales and Northern Ireland call 0300 222 1122 (national rate or less) 9am-8pm Monday to Wednesday, 9am-5pm Thursday and Friday,

10am-4pm at weekends. See alzheimers.org.uk/helpline for live online advice and information.

Talking Point is our online community for anyone living with dementia.

To find out more, please visit alzheimers.org.uk/onlineforum

For a range of information about dementia visit alzheimers.org.uk/publications and for videos and podcasts featuring real-life stories visit alzheimers.org.uk/videos

To find out about local services in your area, visit alzheimers.org.uk/localinfo

The range of assistive products featured in the catalogue and our online shop are featured with no express or implied conditions, endorsements, guarantees, representations, or warranties of any kind by Alzheimer’ Society or Alzheimer’s Trading Ltd. Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Trading Ltd. assume no liability whatsoever, in relation thereto.