Originally posted June 2009
A cutting edge approach to caring for dementia sufferers prone to wandering off on their own is to go on trial later this year by Herefordshire Council.
Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking will be used to monitor the movements of people with dementia, in an effort to keep them safe and allow them greater freedom.
A small and discrete device that can be tracked by GPS will be attached to individuals. An alarm is triggered if the person strays away from home, alerting monitors who will contact carers or family members to inform them of the wearer’s location.
Gill Vickers, Interim Head of Transformation, Hereford Council, says: “It is a controversial idea as it could be viewed as an infringement of privacy and human rights.
“We believe it has the potential to liberate dementia sufferers who may be restricted by being locked in their homes in an effort to keep them safe.
“The pilot will be an opportunity to test its abilities and views surrounding use of GPS tracking.”
Figures for dementia sufferers in the county are estimated at 50 people aged 30 to 64.
The pilot will last for six months, followed by evaluation before deciding whether or not to roll it out.
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