The Design of Electronic Tagging and Tracking Solutions to Improve the Safety and Person-Centered Care for People with Dementia

Abstract

This paper presents results from a study about the design of new electronic tagging and tracking solutions for people with dementia with the aim of increasing the safety for people with dementia and the caregivers. The results are based on workshops involving caregivers, dementia advisors, nursing home leaders and people in local government positions. In the study challenges with current technology are identified such as low battery capacity, poor reliability and usability and issues with people with dementia removing the device. The participants suggested that the technology could be used to support the caregivers when they were not present, provide safety for people with dementia when going for a walk and prolong the time before they had to leave their own home to live at a care facility. The results suggest that solutions are introduced in the early stage of the disease while the person with dementia is still conscious about the technology and can get familiar with the device. Flexible solutions where the functionality and design can be adjusted to the individual person with dementia could increase the likelihood that the device stays on and thereby increase the safety of the person with dementia.