This increase is a real concern, especially as the care system is already under strain.
As dementia progresses in a person, their memory and thinking will become more affected. This means they will have to adjust how they do everyday tasks and eventually a carer will be needed to support them in their daily activities.
Adjusting to needing more support can be difficult and upsetting, and in addition to negatively impacting confidence, self-esteem, and independence, it can leave people living with dementia questioning their sense of identity.
Final year Industrial Design student James Bayliss has designed ‘AIDE’ – a smart mobility aid that helps people with dementia live independently and safely in their own home for longer, whilst reducing the strain on the care system.
AIDE is comprised of a smart walking stick, a wall charger, and a series of Bluetooth beacons that would be placed around the home.