A Training Apartment with a Set of Electronic Memory Aids for Patients with Memory Difficulties after Acquired Brain Injury

摘要

The aim of this study was to investigate if persons with cognitive impairment after acquired brain injury could learn how to use electronic aids to daily living (EADL). 15 patients stayed alone for four days in a training apartment equipped with EADL including reminders, safety functions and alarms covering security. The patients were trained to use EADL by an occupational therapist (OT) during the day time. The training was based on the patients' habits and wishes identified in an interview, and the patients' disabilities and needs. The OT registered in a protocol the process of learning how to use EADL. Field notes were also taken. The alarms that were activated during the stay were automatically logged in the form of lists in a computer. All patients learned how to use all EADL in only four days with daily support from the OT. If patients with cognitive impairments can learn how to use EADL during rehabilitation and have access to EADL in the home they might be less dependent. The results can also contribute to the development of more user-friendly EADL for persons with cognitive impairment.