A Southampton woman has said technology has transformed the life of her mother who has dementia.

Full-time carer Rachel Haworth, 53, looks after her mother, Brenda, 89.

She was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2020 following the death of Brenda’s husband Gerry.

Rachel worked as a professional carer before becoming her mum's primary carer when her condition emerged 10 years ago.

She says technology has been transformative for them - not only in supporting daily routines but also leading to improvements in her mum’s condition. 

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She said: “I’ve been a carer for older people with all sorts of special requirements and cognitive disabilities for a long time, so I know just how important technology has become in the last decade or so. 

“As a family we’ve gone from a world where everything was pen and paper to one where tech plays a crucial role in our daily lives. 

“We now use tech for basic things like setting up alerts for medication, booking appointments and staying in touch with the carers who support me.

“They’re simple but they make such a big difference to ensure we’re all on the same page and are essential to helping mum enjoy a good quality of life.”

She added: “My mum also has a tablet now, which she uses to play games, which are great for her mind – she uses messenger as well, which means she can call her grandkids whenever she likes.”

This comes after new research from BT Group highlighted how technology can play a crucial role in aiding dementia patients.

The research showed 66 per cent of people who care for a loved one with dementia believe technology can enhance their quality of life.

Though the findings also claimed that many carers are unsure of how to use the technology – as many as 40 per cent – with 52 per cent of people saying there isn’t enough training available.

Rachel said: “The positive change in her over the last year or so has been remarkable – a real turnaround we never thought we’d see. 

“Embracing technology isn’t just about convenience; it's about preserving independence and dignity.

“I’ve seen how tech has given mum a sense of empowerment and connection that I would never have thought possible."