A new software product improves the communication and recollection ability of dementia patients, enhancing their quality of life and reducing the difficulties faced by care workers.
Digital Reminiscence Therapy Solutions (DRTS) from Dementia Life use digital photos, videos and music to help unlock the patient's memory and facilitate communication.
The software has been adopted by care homes in Liverpool and London, as well as NHS Fife and the Jersey Memory Clinic.
According to DH statistics, approximately 600,000 people in the UK suffer from dementia. That number is predicted to rise by 50% within the next 15 years.
Debbie Higgins, Manager of Green Heys care home in Waterloo, Liverpool, said that using the DRTS software, "The difference in the quality of communication and recollection was remarkable even with residents with end-stage dementia. The variety of images, sounds and archive footage means it never gets boring or repetitive.
"The beauty of the reminiscence therapy software is that all our staff now have a communication tool that is dramatically different to anything they've ever used before. Conversation flows much easier and residents thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to relive their youth."
"Recent advances in research and technology are revolutionising care provision," said Martin Valentine, Director of Dementia Life. "Our pricing model makes DRTS affordable for residential carers in the domestic home, as well as in care homes, NHS Trusts and similar, and it has proven to be a cost-effective solution to a growing need.
"The ease of communication provided by DRTS is beneficial to both carer and resident, taking some of the pressure off and encouraging engagement, communication and wellbeing."
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