Abstract:

Persons with cognitive impairment are users of assistive devices, with an average of 6 devices per person. But the largest percentage of devices they use relate to physical disabilities, the cognitive devices they use relate primarily to safety and memory loss. There are a number of devices they feel they need (an average of 1.5 devices were mentioned per person) and the majority of devices mentioned relate to safety (grab bars, special locking, monitoring and appliance controls) and memory loss. These devices would provide a safer environment for older persons with a cognitive impairment. Although this suggests an awareness to create a safe environment it does not explain why caregivers have not yet provided these needed devices. Persons with cognitive impairments and their caregivers need more information on assistive devices.