Geriatrics at Arrixaca supports more than sixty families with dementia

The Geriatrics Unit of the Arrixaca Hospital has launched a program that provides support and resources to families with people suffering from dementia. More than 60 households have received assistance to manage the disease at home, avoiding early admissions. This reduces the economic and emotional stress of caregivers, delaying the need for costly care.

hospital geriatrics unit interior, family caregivers learning to use a digital medication dispenser and a tablet with a dementia care app, elderly patient with mild dementia seated at a table sorting colored memory cards, nurse demonstrating a calming hand gesture while pointing at a daily routine checklist on the wall, soft clinical lighting, warm pastel tones, photorealistic medical illustration, clear focus on assistive technology and human interaction, compassionate atmosphere, detailed home-care environment simulation.

How technology assists in home care for dementia 💡

The program uses digital tools such as motion sensors, medication reminder apps, and geolocation systems for patients prone to disorientation. Telemedicine platforms are also used for quick consultations with geriatricians, along with sleep and activity monitoring devices. These technologies allow caregivers to anticipate crises and adjust routines without the need for hospitalization.

Caring at home: when you are grandpa's GPS 😅

The initiative is great, except when the patient hides the GPS-enabled phone in the washing machine or programs the coffee maker to go off at 3 AM. Caregivers learn to distinguish between a real crisis and a memory prank. Of course, no one warned that the technology also includes a 200-page manual that the patient will use to prop up the table leg.