Professor June Andrews, OBE, is adamant the chip under their
skin could save many families the anxiety and distress if their relative goes
missing
Gadgets of this kind are inserted underneath the skin and
are used in some countries but not currently in the UK.
Professor Andrews, who has written numerous books on
dementia, has since signed over her power of attorney to her daughter for when
the 'time comes'.
She said: 'A huge amount of family anxiety is caused when
someone goes missing, to the person and the family.
'A huge amount of police money is spent on it and in many
ways it’s actually wasted time.
'The devices can also alert you if the person stops moving
for a long time. You can have a movement sensor into it.
'If someone bumps into something or falls over, it alerts
you. They are getting more and more sophisticated.'
Professor Andrews, who now works independently to improve
the lives of people with dementia, is in favour of subcutaneous trackers
(stock)
There is a growing economy of elderly tracking and tagging
devices, from pocket GPS trackers to wearable soles.
The increasingly popular gadgets can be bought online for as
little as £40 and require a battery and mobile phone SIM card.
But critics have previously responded in fury to the
tracking device suggestions, calling for the 'human rights' of each person to
be 'thoroughly considered'.
However, Professor Andrews hit back at the claims. She said:
'We know there’s a news story that says, old people are being tagged like
criminals.
'The general, sensible response to that is, actually it’s
better than being hunted like a dog.'
It is estimated that more than 60 per cent of people living
with dementia can at some point start to wander off.
The disease, which affects around 850,000 people in the UK
and more than 35 million worldwide, can cause disorientation.
Dr Hilda Hayo, chief executive at Dementia UK said: 'We believe
the use of GPS tracking systems can in some situations be useful to safeguard a
vulnerable person, but must only be implemented on a case by case basis.
'The decision to use GPS technology should be based on the
best interests of the person’s safety and ideally having gained their
consent.
'Dementia UK stresses that there are civil liberties and
ethical issues to take into account when monitoring an individual’s movements,
which must be balanced against the significant harm that may come to
them.
'Their human rights, including their best interests and
consent, or that of their carers, should be thoroughly considered.'
ARE TRACKING DEVICES ALREADY USED IN BRITAIN?
Many tracking device schemes are already underway across
Britain, including one announced last week by the Metropolitan Police.
It said it was behind vulnerable patients wearing the
state-of-the-art technology as a necklace, bracelet or key ring to locate them
within seconds.
Sussex Police became the first force to fit patients with
GPS tracking devices in 2013, making the move to try and save time and money
when they go missing.
While a similar scheme announced by Hampshire County Council
last year has proven to be a success.
The number of missing person episodes in this region of the
country for people fitted with the trackers has more than halved, figures
show.
In Japan, health officials in one city have gone one step
further and allowed people to add barcodes to the thumbnails and toenails of
dementia patients.
These record their name, address and who to contact in case
they are found walking the streets disorientated by police.
SOURCE: MailOnline, Stephen Matthews
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