What the Library Offers
The Memory Technology Library was developed through the "Five Steps to Living Well with Dementia in South Tipperary" Project. The project was jointly funded by Atlantic Philanthropies and the HSE through the Genio Trust. Genio is a non-profit organisation that focuses on supporting and stimulating social innovation that brings about lasting change.
The library is for people with memory difficulties and dementia, and their family and friends. There are a large range of products; Assistive Technology (A.T) that are useful for people with memory difficulties. This library offers a space where these products can be seen and tried out with a member of staff on an individual basis.
The library is for people with memory difficulties and dementia, and their family and friends. There are a large range of products; Assistive Technology (A.T) that are useful for people with memory difficulties. This library offers a space where these products can be seen and tried out with a member of staff on an individual basis.
The Library aims to:
- Raise awareness of assistive technology products to people with dementia and their carers
- The library is also a resource for health care staff to receive training on AT
- Offer information on the benefits and limitations of the range AT products
- Enable people to try our products before they might purchase
- Short Term Loan of appropriate devices for people to try out at home
What is Assistive Technology?
Assistive Technology is a term that refers to products or gadgets that people use to make their lives easier, such as a TV remote control, glasses or an alarm clock. This term can be used to describe any piece of technology that enables someone to complete their daily tasks, maintain their independence, help manage risks at home and reduce stress for carers.
Assistive Technologies (AT) can be any device that makes it easier to perform activities of daily living they can be simple or complex. There are two forms of AT we offer, Stand Alone devices and Telecare products.
Assistive Technologies (AT) can be any device that makes it easier to perform activities of daily living they can be simple or complex. There are two forms of AT we offer, Stand Alone devices and Telecare products.
Stand Alone Devices
Stand Alone devices can be bought off the shelf. They can be something simple like a clock or something more complicated like an automatic pill dispenser that will send a text to a carer if medication is not taken. These products are not linked up to a monitoring centre.
Telecare Devices
Telecare devices can only be used as part of the Telecare system. There are various companies providing Telecare in Ireland. They charge a fee for providing a base unit and sensors and a monthly monitoring fee. Telecare sensors are placed around the home depending on each individuals needs. When a sensor is triggered it sends a signal to the base unit (connected to a landline or mobile telephone) which in turn goes to the monitoring centre or a carer. The monitoring centre will then follow the procedure agreed with the family. For example if someone wearing a falls sensor, falls to the ground and doesn’t get up this will activate the monitoring centre to contact the person at home to check they are ok, and or, telephone the nominated contacts.
Assistive Technology devices may not be suitable for everyone, therefore the aim of the library is to give people the opportunity to discuss difficulties they are trying to address, consider Assistive Technology solutions and try out demonstration products. Ultimately it is hoped that people with dementia and carers can make an informed decision about whether AT is appropriate. The Memory Technology Library will continue to be developed throughout the life of the project, and we are actively seeking feedback from our library users.
Assistive Technology devices may not be suitable for everyone, therefore the aim of the library is to give people the opportunity to discuss difficulties they are trying to address, consider Assistive Technology solutions and try out demonstration products. Ultimately it is hoped that people with dementia and carers can make an informed decision about whether AT is appropriate. The Memory Technology Library will continue to be developed throughout the life of the project, and we are actively seeking feedback from our library users.
