GPS technology helping dementia sufferers retain independence

A Fife project that uses GPS technology to help support people with dementia has been shortlisted in the COSLA Excellence Awards.

Known as Safer Walking Technology, Fife Council’s social work services have been piloting the use of GPS devices with people affected by dementia to see how the technology can help continue independent living.

Forming part of their Telecare service, which offers door alarms, movement sensors, fall detectors and visual smoke detectors, the Safer Walking scheme helps find a person who has become lost or disoriented.

John Honeyman, from the community alarm and Telecare service, said the feedback from users and their families over the last 18 months has been “overwhelmingly positive” and demonstrates the success of technology as a useful aid to independence and autonomy.

“The technology not only enables a person to continue enjoying activities that they have been doing for years, it helps give family carers peace of mind,” he said. “In the event of a person being away for longer than usual, it is particularly reassuring for a carer to be able to locate their loved one quickly either by telephoning the call centre or by accessing the emergency location map on a secure website.

“We were aware that GPS devices to help people with dementia existed, but had to be quite sure that it was not just a case of technology for technology’s sake, hence the pilot project.”

COSLA received a total of 220 applications this year and, in recognition of their work, the Telecare Team have already been given a silver award in the One to Watch category.

Liz Mitchell, health and social care partnership co-ordinator, said, “Our achievement so far is a credit to all those who work in the Telecare team, the service users and their carers who helped make the pilot happen. In turn, we hope, this is an initiative which Fife can be proud of as we continue to care for the vulnerable in our community.”

At the end of March 2010 a total of 495 people were using Telecare in Fife.