Robots could soon care for dementia patients

Robots could soon be caring for dementia patients, a report suggested. Technological advancements mean gadgets and apps are already being introduced into dementia care. Devices like GPS trackers are used to ensure patients do not get lost, while monitors in the home can detect falls and tell if the phone or television is being used, sending information back to family and carers. Some dementia patients wear smartwatches, which collect data on their sleep and eating patterns, blood pressure and sugar levels for analysis by doctors, researcher and carers. And interactive technology, including virtual reality and specialised apps and computer games have been introduced to care homes to help calm patients with dementia. Electronic calendars and speaking reminders can also help patients tell the time or remind them to do simple tasks like washing hands.