News
Patient-location tracking and chickens help dementia sufferers
2 June 2008
Chickens and cutting-edge location-tracking technology are helping a
care home owner mount a personal battle against the ravages of one of
the most feared conditions of old age — dementia.
Dan Lingard, Chief Executive of Melton Health Care Limited, which
owns Birch Abbey care home in Southport, northwest England, says
much-misunderstood dementia needs to be fought — and he's brought in
chickens to help get the most out of his high technology.
Dan's crusade drove him to invent a specialist dementia-patient
monitoring system, MyAmego (www.myamego.co.uk),
which was named New Product of the Year at Naidex 2008, the UK's largest
event for homecare, disability and rehabilitation.
"There are two issues: firstly, driving an understanding that while
the onset of dementia cannot be reversed, it can be contained or slowed,
primarily by stimulating the mind and keeping the body even just mildly
active," said Dan Lingard.
"The issue for care-service providers is driving that activity, but
also monitoring it as well. MyAmego is a fob which the patient wears or
carries. In it is a microchip. Data about the movements of the patients
is captured from the fob by monitors placed around the care home, the
patient's own home or even in or near shops they might visit.
"This enables the care team to monitor the movements of patients, not
just for safety, but also to assess their activity levels. The system
analyses location, activity and risk in relation to that patient's
individual needs or circumstances — but will page, text or email carers
for assistance only when appropriate. In a nutshell, it ensures they're
safe, but also ensures they are physically and mentally active, but also
maintains an individual's privacy."
"Getting dementia sufferers using their minds and muscles, even in
seemingly small ways, can have a massively positive effect," says Dan.
"At Birch Abbey, we're creating a 'living sensory garden'. The
chickens draw patients out into the garden; they provide a talking
point. What's more, our patients collect the eggs, make cakes or
biscuits and talk about what they're doing amongst themselves and to
their family members, providing valuable mental stimulus.
"But, furthermore, we are now planning to put a camera in the chicken
run so that those who are less mobile can watch the chickens on TV
monitors or computer screens, which again creates talking points and
ensures everyone feels involved."
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