Charity is the latest to sign Alzheimer Scotland’s Technology Charter for People Living with Dementia.
People with sight loss and dementia must not be denied the benefits of modern technology, a charity has said.
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) Scotland made the call as it signed up to a campaign promoting accessible technology.
Developed by Alzheimer Scotland, the Technology Charter for People Living with Dementia calls on signatories to promote the use of technology to benefit the increasing number of people living with dementia in Scotland and their families.
RNIB Scotland director Campbell Chalmers signed the charter in Glasgow on Monday.
Technology can also make a huge difference to the lives of the carers and families of those with dementia
He said: "Our practice development team has worked closely with Alzheimer Scotland, and when the Technology Charter was launched we were keen to share our expertise in supporting individuals with both sight loss and dementia.
"Technology is transforming the way we all live our lives. So it is crucial that the individual needs of those living with sight loss and dementia are taken into consideration, too.”
Mr Chalmers said there were more than 40,000 people with early-onset dementia in the UK, many of whom would use technology on a daily basis.
It was important that they are able to continue to use it as far as possible after the onset of the condition, he argued.
"For example, a modern smart-phone can have reminders posted on it, a calendar where important appointments can be entered with an alert set to go off before,” Mr Chalmers said.
“Also, many healthcare practices now send you a text to remind you of an appointment. Most phones have accessible settings which can make them easier to use for people who also have a sight problem. And as technology becomes more intuitive, with swipe functions on tablets for instance, it is becoming easier to use.”
He added: "Technology can also make a huge difference to the lives of the carers and families of those with dementia, as everyday technologies can support positive risk-taking, help with safe walking, reduce risk of accidents in the home and help people to stay connected with family, friends and interests."
