The provision of stove timers to individuals with cognitive impairment

The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of persons who were provided with timing devices on stoves, and to investigate the application procedure and recommendations for timer options. The case files at an Agency for Home Modifications in an urban community in Sweden during 2002 (n = 945) were audited. The sample was divided into two groups: those diagnosed or suspected of dementia or age-related memory deficits (n = 788), and those with other diagnoses (n = 151). Overall, the applicants for stove timers were elderly females, living alone. Assistance with the application forms by health professionals was common in both groups. However, the options available for tailoring the use of the device were not used consistently and the opportunity for professional follow-up appeared limited. The device seemed to be used as a safety precaution rather than as a device to support independent activity performance based on individual users' needs. The results indicate that improvements in the implementation and provision of stove timers could be achieved through education and collaboration between different stakeholders.