System is case of common sensors
Life can be dangerous and difficult for the 3,000 dementia sufferers across north Kent. But thanks to new sensory technology help is on its way.
Telecare, already in 400 homes across the county, is a system of sensors which can be placed around the home to pick up when a person with dementia could be in danger.
"If a person does have a problem with wandering from their home at night a property exit sensor can be placed next to the front door.
"If they leave and don't come back the sensor would alert a 24-hour call centre and the operator would either inform the emergency services, a relative or a carer."
Bed sensors, strips which can be placed under a mattress, can also alert the centre if someone has been out of bed for a certain amount of time.
It can also be set so lights come on if someone gets out of bed in the middle of the night.
"Darkness is one of the main reasons for falls."
The wireless system works by connecting to the telephone line and sending messages via a radio link to a 24-hour manned help centre in case something out of the ordinary occurs.
Call centre operators reassure system users via a reception box in their home or listen out for clues to the situation.
Carers living in the same house can be offered the support of a pillow sensor which vibrates to wake the sleeping person if their relative has got out of bed in the night.
Gas, flood and smoke sensors are also available.
press release by Louise Tweddell | This Is Local London
~It beats tying Grandpa to the bed.
Posted by Stubbornson at May 31, 2006 08:01 PM