Fife trials device to help dementia sufferers

Fife is to pilot a hi-tech device to help people with dementia enjoy safer, more independent lives.

STV
Fife is to pilot a hi-tech device to help people with dementia enjoy safer, more independent lives.

The scheme is to be run by Fife Council in partnership with NHS Fife and Fife Police.

John Honeyman, training and marketing adviser with Fife Telecare Programme, said in a statement: "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."

Family carers often feel that their relative with dementia might become lost while going out for a walk or even leave their house during the night and go missing.

Fife's Community Alarm Service has a tried and tested system that addresses this fear. Electronic door contacts give an early alert if someone with dementia leaves their home during the night.

Prompting from a specialist call handler over the alarm intercom system is often enough to encourage the person to stay safely at home until morning.

The new technology uses global positioning system (GPS) to locate someone carrying a sensor.

The matchbox-sized sensor gives confidence to someone with early-stage dementia to get out and about knowing that a family carer can offer assistance when appropriate.

Beth Wallace, from Kirkcaldy, whose father Jim started using his GPS device, explained that 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.

Ms Wallace 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, 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, dementia strategy leader, said.......read the whole thing

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