A Coat for Dementia

FRESH IDEAS:

A “Memory Coat” solves common memory problems: recognizing your jacket, remembering the keys, closing the jacket and finding the way back home. Learn more.

GELDERMALSEN, The Netherlands, /PRNewswire/ —

The dementia jacket ‘my-DBuddy’ helps individuals with memory deficiencies maintain independence longer, while preserving dignity. The jacket solves common memory problems experienced by those who would otherwise not feel comfortable going out: recognizing their own jacket, remembering to take keys, closing the jacket and finding the way back home. Of every jacket sold, €50 is contributed to local Alzheimer’s organizations.

The dementia jacket my-DBuddy an innovative and useful tool which resulted from a challenge: ‘Can you design a jacket for people with dementia?‘ asked Helga Rohra, a world famous dementia activist promoting a better life for people living with this condition. Ms. Rohra’s question inspired Wilma Verhoeks, owner of Wi-Care BV, a Dutch company specialized in designing clothes for people with a disability. This jacket is ready and was presented at the European Alzheimer Conference in Berlin.

Just like other designs by Wi-Care, my-DBuddy is a concept that combines practical solutions with clothes people like to wear:

• How do I recognize my jacket? Room for a picture on the strap for hanging the jacket.
• How do I close the jacket? High-tech hook and loop straps in self-indicating colors.
• How to avoid forgetting my keys, or leaving them in the door? Key cord in jacket.
• What if I get completely lost? Discretely hidden pouch for name and address.

But the innovation does not stop here. Much like a smartphone, my-DBuddy is an open platform and Wi-Care welcomes novel ideas for extra applications which can be developed and marketed by others under my-DBuddy’s umbrella. my-DBuddy must evolve into a cluster of solutions for people with memory problems world-wide.

Of every jacket sold, €50 is contributed to local Alzheimer’s organizations in the countries where my-DBuddy is sold, thereby helping both the population in need as well as financially aiding associations dedicated to providing care and support for all those living with Alzheimer’s disease.