Tamworth case study in Staffordshire

A service user in Tamworth with dementia was living in her own home. She was prone to wandering and had experienced episodes of abuse in her neighbourhood. Money had been going missing, the police were involved, and there was evidence of self neglect. Her family were very distressed and concerned about her, and had expressed strong views that they wanted her to move into residential care for her own safety.

The local Community Mental Health Team had also advised her needs would best be met in residential care.

Following a period of emergency respite care (after another incident in which she had gone missing and the police had been involved), the social work assessment concluded that her needs could be met in an extra care environment (sheltered housing with a substantial care package).

The service user was able to express her preference not to move into a care home. The social worker rose to the challenge of advocating for the person against all odds, winning cautious agreement from her family and others to give this person a chance to try to keep living in the community with the right support. Everyone acknowledged the additional risks of disorientation by moving to sheltered housing, but that was managed by a mix of care and technology.

The initial intensive support package included:

• the support of the scheme manager within sheltered housing
• the ‘Just Checking’ assistive technology service
• a night sitting service
• domiciliary care during the stay
• a mental health support worker (from the social work team) to help her adjust to living in her new environment as she was disorientated, and to monitor her health and wellbeing
• a ‘Buddi’ GPS tracking device so that her whereabouts and movements could be monitored in order to ensure her safety if she wandered outside.

Boundary areas were set for the Buddi system, so that if the service user wandered beyond the agreed boundary, the alert would be sent to the call centre and relevant people could be informed and respond.

Eighteen months on, the service user remains in her own home. She no longer needs to use the Buddi, as she has settled in and recognises where she is as home. Her behaviour has changed and she does not wander. She has achieved what she wanted – to stay in her own home; and her family were won over by the reassurance they gained from the management of risks and the thoughtful support provided.

The device was successful, due to support from the care team who ensured it was worn when she went out and it was charged regularly.

As this case has shown, the Buddi can be used alongside other assistive technologies and does not have to be a long-term part of a person’s support package. There is no cost to the individual or their family.

Contact: Alison Hasdell, Practice Lead, Tamworth Adult Care Team, 01543 308707