Technology not the answer to treating dementia

We need to “step into the shoes” of a person with dementia rather than seek temporary “band-aid solutions”, says Dementia Care Australia founder and chief executive officer, Jane Verity.

Ms Verity’s call to reach out to sufferers on an emotional level rather than turn to technology came after she was informed by DPS Publishing that a new GPS tracking bracelet, which enables family members and caregivers to better monitor and protect loved ones with cognitive disorders such as dementia,  was released in America this week.

The S-911 tracking bracelet – manufactured by global leader Laipac Technology – more easily and effectively helps sufferers manage their disorders, and helps to prevent wandering, drowning and possibly death.

The bracelet signals messages to the caregiver should a person wearing the S-911 device leave or enter a designated geo-fenced area. The caregiver will receive a text, email and a phone call to their mobile phone within just three seconds.

The alert gives them the location of the bracelet and they can go to that location immediately, use the two-way communication feature and speak with the wearer or access a personal website to track the wearer and call someone who may be closer in proximity to the person.

However, Ms Verity said understanding the core reason as to why people with dementia feel the need to wander off in the first place is most important.

“When some people with dementia wander off, they are often looking for the experience of home as aged care facilities often do not feel like home to them. So, it is only natural for them to want to leave and go for a wander,” she says.

While Ms Verity says Dementia Care Australia’s first preference is prevention and understanding why dementia arises in some people, she maintains technology like the S-911 tracking bracelet can offer some assistance to carers of people with dementia.

“If carers often worry about their loved one and may find it difficult to sleep at night, a solution such as a tracking bracelet could be helpful to them,” she said.

Adiant Solutions chief executive officer, Jim Jeselun, said the device helps families and caregivers not only assist the ones they love, but it enables them to lead happier and more productive lives because they will always know that their loved one is safe.