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Matchbox-sized global positiong device
Fife Council’s Social Work Service, in partnership with NHS Fife and Fife Police, is spearheading a new way of helping people with dementia enjoy safer, more independent lives.
The announcement coincides with
John Honeyman, training and marketing adviser with Fife Telecare Programme, said: “Many people with dementia prefer to stay in their own home and live as independently as they possibly can.
“We aim to help our more vulnerable residents do this by offering technology that can manage many of the risks associated with independent living.”
John added that many family carers fear their relative with dementia might become lost while enjoying a stroll outside or even leave their home during the night and go missing.
Now, in an initiative supported by Fife Police, the first “safer walking” GPS (Global Positioning System) location sensing device has been issued to a
Beth Wallace, from Kirkcaldy, said since her father Jim started using his GPS device, the family has much more peace of mind over his safety. Although Jim suffers from early on-set Alzheimer’s, he is determined to remain active and independent. He often travels on his own to Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Beth said: “With the GPS device I know exactly where he is. I can help look after him no matter where I am.”
Inspector Jim Smith, NHS liaison officer with Fife Police, welcomed the piloting of the device. He said: “Thankfully, very few people affected by dementia do go missing for extended periods of time but by introducing the technology at an early stage, we might prevent a distressing incident in the future.”
Brittany Ellis is leading the development of the joint Fife Council and NHS Fife Dementia Strategy due out later this year. She said: "The use of telecare technologies such as the safe walker system provide a real opportunity for people with dementia to remain independent and safe in the community for longer. Research shows that the overwhelming majority of older people want to remain at home. With the appropriate networks in place, telecare can be used in conjunction with other services to help us achieve this."
The GPS device is about the same size as a box of matches.
John Honeyman added: “We also aim to address other areas of concern such as falls which often occur overnight when the person is alone and might lack capacity to call for help.
“Another joint council and police focus is on how technology can address the growing menace of bogus callers targeting people with dementia.
“It is really encouraging to know that Fife has been voted the
For more information contact
John Honeyman, Training and Marketing AdviserTel: 08451 55 55 55 + Ext 47 41 17 Fax: 01592 583596 Contact John Honeyman online
By Post: Fife Council, 2-3 Rimbleton Park, Glenrothes, KY6 2BZ
Liz Mitchell, Telecare Programme Manager
Tel: 01592 583596 Contact Liz Mitchell online
By Post: Fife Council, 2-3 Rimbleton Park, Glenrothes, KY6 2BZ
