Miracle man continues day-to-day life with Alzheimer's
When former FTSE 100 company director Hugo woke up from his month-long coma after suffering a haemorrhagic stroke, followed by bacterial meningitis, he and his wife Louise were told to expect a very different life from the one they had enjoyed previously – including the ability to walk. Learn how his independent living could be better supported by using Access Technology Enabled Care (TEC) today.
Hugo's Story
Hugo overcame the odds of his traumatic brain injury and recovered well, getting back to many of the activities he did before including regular walks with their black Labrador, Flossie.
In 2021, Louise noticed some changes in Hugo’s behaviour and, in December 2021, a brain scan confirmed a diagnosis of mixed dementia, including Alzheimer’s.
Having learned to walk again following his stroke, he and Louise looked for support which would allow Hugo to keep active without Louise worrying if he has fallen or become lost.
Both Hugo and Louise wanted support that would allow Hugo to be active and prevent Louise from worrying if he falls or becomes lost. They needed a solution that would provide reassurance but equally increase independence.
Finding Support
Hugo's wife Louise said:
I had no idea what was available for people with dementia before a specialist nurse sat down and explained the options we had available for managing Hugo’s condition, such as devices and support. The support worker Sarah, based at the hospital in Andover, explained that we could have Access TEC devices which could be used both inside and outside the home and would be funded by Hampshire County Council. I was astonished because I thought that everyone had to pay for the device themselves and pay for it to be monitored.
Pearl + - The Solution
Access TEC helps bridge the gap between health and social care by combining cutting-edge technology within user-friendly devices through a smart care platform.
Hugo and Louise benefitted from our mobile-backed device which enabled them to create safe zones that would notify Louise if Hugo got lost or went out late at night, provide a fall sensor, location updates, status alerts, reminder messages, and a one-touch SOS button.
These features has enabled Hugo to wear the device and contact his wider care circle or the designated Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) whenever he requires assistance, is lost, or distressed.
Positive Impact
Hugo has been exceptionally receptive to wearing the device: He wants to do anything which would give me less anxiety. Before he takes Flossie for a walk “I still always say to him, “Have you got your lanyard on?” and he shows me he’s wearing it.
Louise says she has been contacted twice by the ARC to say that Hugo had fallen, luckily this was due to him pressing the wrong button. This has, however, provided them both with confidence that should anything happen or should Hugo become less steady on his feet, timely support will be on hand and Louise will be notified directly.
Hugo’s recovery and health have been so impressive that to this day, their doctor refers to him as ‘Miracle Man’ and uses Hugo’s brain scans as training on positive treatment.
"Hugo is not prone to falling at this stage, but clearly as the disease develops that could change quite radically, and that is where I think Access TEC will come into its own. Right now, he can play golf with his friends or take a walk around the village and chat with neighbours and I don’t have to worry because this device gives me peace of mind."
Louise
Getting the right support
Both Louise and Hugo were given specialist advice from a Mental Health Nurse who put them in touch with the charity Mind.
“I had been looking at getting a fitness watch which had GPS which would allow Hugo to continue to get out and about but would also let me keep track of his location… since a key symptom of Alzheimer’s and dementia is memory loss and getting lost. I was delighted to find out that we could have Access TEC devices, provided by Hampshire County Council. The support and information from Mind has been exceptional.”
A scheme led by Hampshire County Council and the local police force found there was a 65% reduction in people reported missing to the police since patients with dementia were given an Access TEC device.
"Hugo is active and goes out twice a day to walk the dog which helps keep him fit – a key factor in helping to prevent frailty and falls. When he goes out, I can carry on with my activities and hobbies, with the added reassurance that when he goes out, I can see which direction he has gone using IntelliCare. And if he is a little longer than normal, I can check to see if he’s on his way home after stopping to chat with a friend, or if he’s lost."
Life after diagnosis
Hugo has made using Access TEC a habit; he puts it on charge when he comes home from his dog walk and it is in a set location to aid his memory.
"Access TEC’s service and devices are phenomenal. I’m so impressed with what Access TEC is doing and I want more people to know about it… People should not think that a dementia diagnosis is the end: with the technology available these days, you can still live a happy and active life.”
Louise
For more information on how Access TEC to help improve quality of life for individuals like Hugo learn more about our technology enabled care solutions by contacting us today.
