GPS tracker technology which may help protect vulnerable dementia sufferers is being trialled on the Island. The Alzheimer’s Society is running the project with three dementia sufferers using ingenious tracking and communication devices provided by Manx Telecom through one of its UK partners, HoIP Telecom.
Dementia is a condition which affects memory and some sufferers can become confused, disorientated and at risk if they find themselves isolated or without their carer nearby. The technology trial aims to ensure that dementia sufferers can always be located by their carers, and raise an alarm in an emergency.
Each of the three participants will carry the HoIP Pebbell GPS Alarm which carries a Manx Telecom mobile SIM card. The Pebbell device tracks their location and has a unique two-way audio function, which allows carer and cared for, to speak directly to each other should there be an emergency. Geographical limits can be set on the device so that if the user wanders outside of a given area, a ‘help’ text message will automatically be sent to their carer to prompt the carer to make contact. The device also tracks speed in real-time so you can see if the user has accidentally found themselves on a bus or in a car, when they should be on foot – vital information in helping carers locate a dementia patient if they become disoriented or go missing. It also has a motion sensor which can detect if the wearer has fallen over, automatically sending a text message to alert the carer, allowing them to open up a two way dialogue to check if they’re OK.
Susan Walker, Dementia Support Worker at the Alzheimer’s Society Isle of Man charity, says the technology could be a great help in protecting dementia sufferers, giving them more freedom, and improving their quality of life. She added:
“The Pebbell is an amazing piece of technology and we’re extremely grateful to Manx Telecom for enabling us to carry out this trial which could make a massive difference to dementia sufferers and their carers. We’re going to be monitoring progress with the technology trial over the next few months and presenting the results at a conference on dementia which we’re holding at the Villa Marina in September.”
Sarah Creighton, Chameleon Product Manager at Manx Telecom, commented:
“We’re delighted to support Alzheimer’s Society Isle of Man and the technology trial, and will be monitoring the results with interest. The HoIP Pebbell is such a small and versatile device that it has many more potential applications – from parents using it to protect their children or elderly family members to stay safe..”
Alzheimer’s Society Isle of Man is a Manx-registered charity which is affiliated to the Alzheimer’s Society in the UK. News about the technology trial was announced during Dementia Awareness Week (May 17 to 23). To contact Alzheimer’s Society Isle of Man phone 613181 or email isleofman@alzheimers.org.uk – or go to www.alzheimers.org.uk and click on ‘Local Information’. To find out more about the HoIP Pebbell GPS Alarm go to http://www.pebbell-gps.com/
