Dementia sufferers to get GPS rescue device boost

Published: 2 April 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM

DEMENTIA patients will be tracked by GPS devices when they leave their homes under a new “life-changing” rescue scheme.

The global positioning system (GPS) device will be fitted to jewellery or clothing and allows users movements to be found on a map by satellite in case of emergency.

Patients will also have access to a panic button if they become distressed, and families and doctors will be able to follow their movements via a secure website.

Westminster Council will make the tagging available to around 1,900 residents in the borough with dementia, at an annual cost of £600 per patient.

Under the ‘“safer walking technology”, carers or families can be alerted if a patient moves outside a specific area or does not return to a location at a ­certain time.

The council hopes it will ­liberate some patients from the use of physical restraints and in some cases, drug-based care. Its introduction follows a six-month testing period to iron out teething problems.

The devices are only offered following an assessment to ­people in the early stages of dementia who are deemed able to make an informed decision over whether to wear them.

Councillor Ed Argar, cabinet member for health and adult services said: “In Westminster we are committed to innovating and exploring new ways to improve the quality of life of our residents. 

“Safer walking technology can provide more independence, reassurance and peace of mind to those who are living with dementia, their families and friends.

“We are of course aware that this technology is no substitute for high-quality professional dementia care, but we believe it is something that can complement it.”

Andrew Ketteringham, the director of external affairs at the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We often hear from people with dementia who tell us that such technology allows them to have greater freedom and independence and feel more confident doing things they might not otherwise be able to do. 

“It can also relieve some of the anxiety felt by carers that someone with dementia might get lost.

“It’s vital that the person with dementia gives their full consent before safer walking technology is used. 

“Using technology in this way will not be right for everyone and it should never be used as a substitute for good care.”