GPS for people with dementia

Objective:

The Trimbos Institute launched a project in January 2009 to evaluate the use of the GPS system by people with dementia and the effects such utilisation has on them and their informal carers. The project is funded by Fonds NutsOhra. Thirty people with dementia who are living at home carry with them for three months a pager-sized device containing a built-in global positioning system (GPS). The GPS enables their exact position to be pinpointed on a detailed map displayed on a secure website. Another option allows safe zones to be defined and an automatic text message to be sent whenever the person carrying the GPS device leaves such a zone. Questions addressed by the project are: 1. Is the GPS technology feasible for use by older people with dementia who live at home? 2. Does GPS use have beneficial effects on the quality of life of people with dementia? 3. Does GPS use have alleviating effects on the pressure perceived by their informal carers and on their level of concern?

Final result:

The research questions will be addressed in a final report. The project will conclude with an article in an appropriate journal. Reports will also be included in relevant electronic magazines published by the Trimbos Institute and by Alzheimer Nederland.

Start and end date:

1 January 2009 / 28 February 2010

In co-operation with:

Internal commissioning party: Anne Margriet Pot

Funding:

Delta Lloyd, Nuts, Ohra

Contact:

TRANSLATE[en][Medewerkers/Vrouw] drs. BM Willemse
+31 (0)30 - 2959(210)
Contact

Secretariat: