A Columbus-based company, Eperture LLC, is aiming to assist those with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers with a new technology called RememberStuff. Caregivers often answer the same questions repeatedly while caring for someone with memory issues.
The software is stored on an HP 800 series touchscreen computer and is updated remotely by a caregiver with the patient’s personal information, such as dates to remember, medications, favorite activities and contact information for family and friends.
“We have found that if you start creating that routine in writing after they go through one or two of the steps, it kind of triggers their memory,” said Mary Ellen Mullholand, president of Eperture LLC.
The patient can touch the screen and find four sections to peruse — a calendar, things to remember, messages and activities.
The calendar can be updated with dates of doctor’s appointments, social activities and family members’ birthdays.
The remember section helps explain how to perform day-to-day tasks.
“You create a list of daily activities because they just can’t keep all of those details in their mind. They can review the list four or five times during the day,” Mullholand said.
The messaging section allows family members to send messages about upcoming visits or simply say hello. It also allows the patient to send videos.
“The video messaging proved to be quite a success for those who felt they had been cut off from being able to use the phone,” Mullholand said.
The activities section can be loaded with customized quizzes and activities.
Learn more at eperture.net.
Free seminar
Eperture LLC will host a free informational seminar at 6 p.m. Nov. 7 at Ritz-Charles, 12156 N. Meridian St, Carmel. Dr. Nicole Fowler with the Regenstrief Institute will present information about early detection of dementia and how that helps prepare family members for the demanding role of caregiving.
To attend the free seminar, visit bit.ly/rememberblog.
