Published: 31st August 2009 | Author: Satellite Navigation
The dementia patients are being provided with GPS box that is to be attached to their clothes so that the carers can monitor their whereabouts. With the help of this GPS technology relatives can view when a person goes to bed, leaves the house along with the duration details. Small and wireless sensors are said to be triggered as the person moves. Their positioning can be traced by the maps on a secure website. Family carers can log onto the websites and check their activities.
The scheme is still being tested on a few patients before it can be approved. A user called Pete, agreed to try the system as his father John, 71, used to keep getting lost and later had to be rescued by police. Apparently, his father liked to take the dog for long walks and used to get lost in other parts of the town. Over time Pete had to consider about changing his job to move closer to his father or putting him in a residential home. But Pete has stated that the GPS tracker proved
to be a great success. His father feels he is being looked after and cared for.
Dr. Graeme Betts, the strategic director for adult and community services, Warwickshire Country Council reportedly stated that the new technology is providing people with more freedom and promoting their independence. They are out to provide people with more choice and control over their care so that their needs and requirements can be met.
