4 Assistive Technologies, Devices and Equipments to Aid Epilepsy Safety

Living with epilepsy can be undoubtedly challenging. Remaining safe is a key component to life with epilepsy and it can be overwhelming to think about every day. Fortunately, there are a number of products, aids and technologies that are aimed at helping people with epilepsy. 

Please note: Technologies included in this article are not always reliable and should never be used in place of human intervention. We would only recommend that these technologies are used in conjunction with a properly prepared care and emergency plan. 

Understanding Your Safety Needs

Specialised aids and technologies can certainly improve the safety of a person with epilepsy, but that doesn’t mean you need to have every single one. Epilepsy affects each person differently, so it’s important to first have an assessment that takes into account your needs and your lifestyle and identifies areas of risk. 

One you have a clear understanding of the risks in your life, it’s possible that there are specialised devices and technologies that can help to keep you safe. We would recommend that you don’t complete these assessments yourself and you use a credible professional who has experience in carrying out assessments. 

Our own environmental recommendations service takes into account your whole life, both inside and outside of the home. Not only will we help by recommending and procuring any assistive technologies or devices you may find useful, we also provide recommendations on medication in order to help to lead a safer life in a number of other ways. 

#1 – Alarms and Monitors

There are a wide variety of alarms and monitors available for people with epilepsy. Each of these works in a unique way to help minimise the risk of danger during a seizure and alert others when a seizure occurs. 

For example, some alarms are triggered when they detect that someone has fallen and is likely to be having a seizure where others are specialised to recognise seizure activity in bed. These include: 

• Wrist worn sensors 
• Bed monitors 
• Self triggered alarms
• CCTV 

Understanding when you are most at risk of a seizure and what types of seizures you are likely to have will be the key to choosing a product. National Epilepsy Training can help to procure specialised aids.  

#2 – Safety Equipment

Aside from alarms, there are other types of equipment that can help to keep a person with epilepsy safe in the event of a seizure. These could be items for the home or wearables that can protect the body in the event of a seizures, examples of these include: 

• Protective headgear 
• Anti-roll prams for parents with epilepsy
• Home safety devices 

These types of equipment can be procured to suit a person with epilepsy and their particular circumstances and should be used alongside other initiatives to minimise risk in and out of the home. 

#3 – Memory Aids

Many people with epilepsy also have challenges with their memory, which can become an issue when remembering complex medication schedules and other important things. In these cases memory aids can be incredibly useful to ensure important things aren’t missed. These can range from simple, everyday items to more complex technologies, including: 

• Calendars
• Dated pill boxes with times 
• Sticky notes
• Diaries and journals 
• To do lists 
• Alarms and mobile applications 

It may also be worthwhile undergoing some ‘brain training’ techniques that can help to improve the memory. 

#4 – Identification Devices 

Letting other people know that you have epilepsy can be key to ensuring you get the correct care and assistance if required. You might not always be in a position to tell someone about your needs, which is where identification devices come in. There are a number of products available which can help to do exactly this, including: 

• ID bracelets, necklaces and other jewellery 
• ID cards
• Mobile applications 

Some people even opt to have their medical needs tattooed to their body, although this is a personal preference and most devices are more than enough. 

National Epilepsy Training can help 

We are experts in epilepsy and can help to perform assessments, recommend specialised aids, technologies and devices and also help to procure them. We can also help to ensure you have the correct funding to avoid being out of pocket getting specialised aids to help manage your epilepsy and stay safe. 

Fill in the form below to talk to us about your needs.