Dr Patrick Oliver at Newcastle University is looking at ways to give ordinary home applicances new intelligence.
Why?
So that those with dementia can still function safely in a home environment.
Oliver has been looking at everyday appliances and finding innovative ways to make them dementia-friendly. At his laboratory, called ‘The Ambient Kitchen’, there are a number of working demonstrations in place, such as the pressure sensors embedded into the floor which would alert others if someone fell over.
Read more here.

A look into a couple of days in the life of a family dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Part I

Part II

A brief look at what caregivers go through when dealing with Alzheimer’s disease! Made by Ryan Pfleger at the Brooks Institute of Photography.
The result of a student documentary project by Ryan Pfleger at the Brooks Institute of Photography.

The Division of Geriatics at Weill Cornell Medical College has just been awarded a $45,000 grant from NEC Foundation of America to help with the development of an Alzheimer-Friendly Virtual Home. Aimed at helping caregivers and families find the best ways of adapting homes for people with Alzheimer’s Disease, this graphic-rich website is expected to be launched in 2008.
In the meantime, anyone looking to make their house safe and user friendly for anyone suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and related diseases can read The Alzheimer-Friendly House, a 20 page online guide produced by Weill Cornell College and Modifying Your Home For …read more