New invention prevents dementia patients wandering off
We’ve looked at some of the incredible technological advancements assisting the elderly before, but we think this simple, ingenious invention is one of the best yet.
After watching her mother care for countless dementia sufferers over her 15-year career, Natalie Price was inspired to create a device to help patients and their loved ones. That’s how she came up with Proximity – a new smart sensor which prevents dementia sufferers wandering off.
The device is a small and discreet magnetic badge which can be easily attached to the patient’s clothes. Via Bluetooth, the sensor will send the carer a notification if their loved one goes outside of a pre-set range of about 20 metres.
Proximity could be a life-saver for people who find themselves constantly losing their loved ones when out at the supermarket or any large public space. According to Price’s Indiegogo crowdfunding page, more than 60 per cent of dementia sufferers will wander off, and if they aren’t found within 24 hours, there is a very high risk of accidental injury or death.
To find out more about this smart device, click here, and tell us in the comments below – what do you think can be done to prevent dementia patients from wandering away?
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