INNOVATIVE new technology is now available to help keep dementia sufferers safe in their homes.

Gravesham is one of the first boroughs in Kent to offer the sensor technology, called Telecare, to older people who suffer from the progressive brain dysfunction.

Telecare is a series of sensors which detect whether there has been a change in the person's routine, which indicates if the individual is in trouble.

Wireless technology is used to detect a range of situations which could spell danger, such as floods or extreme heat.

It is also used to monitor whether an elderly person has left their favourite seat for too long.

In the past few weeks Telecare has been introduced to 12 homes in Gravesham by Kent County Council (KCC) at a cost of around £185,000.

More people are being lined up to have the equipment installed.

Dementia gradually restricts an individual's capability to carry out daily activities and many need long-term care.

The sensors trigger an alarm at a monitoring centre open 24 hours a day if they detect a sufferer may have put themselves in danger.

In a bid to prevent accidents, a sensor can be placed under a bed mattress and programmed to switch the lights on if the person gets out of bed in the middle of the night.

The same device can alert the monitoring centre if the person does not come back to bed within a certain time, to help find elderly people quickly if they have fallen.

Another sensor can trigger a pillow alarm in another room, alerting a carer the person they look after has gotten out of bed.

There are also gas, smoke and intruder alarms and a property exit monitor to help stop confused dementia sufferers leaving their house alone.

KCC adult services cabinet member Councillor Kevin Lynes said: "I am delighted older people with dementia in Gravesham are able to have the peace of mind and confidence Telecare can provide."

HOW NEW SYSTEM WORKS

  • IF AN alert is triggered, and not immediately cancelled, monitoring centre staff will contact the person via a communications unit in the house.
  • If something is wrong, the centre has a list of contact details of relatives, neighbours and other people to call who can help.
  • There is a back-up mobile response service in case no-one is available.
  • The monitoring centre will call 999 when necessary.
  • KCC has invested £2.25m in the technology available in six districts in Kent.
  • The service is free for people who meet KCC's criteria.
  • There are 16 sensors available, although most people only need two or three.
  • For more, call 08458 247247.