Device trial to help protect people with dementia

A pocket-sized tracking device is being trialled in West Yorkshire to help protect people living with dementia.

The small trackers are being handed out by West Yorkshire Police to residents who require them in Shipley in case they become lost or require help.

Officers said the issue costs the force thousands of pounds each year, with each missing person report costing about £2,500 in police time.

After National Lottery funding was secured through the Shipley Memories dementia support group, more than 500 devices are set to be handed out for free.

The square devices can be put in pockets or shoes and send signals to a phone app.

One of the first people to try out the devices in West Yorkshire is Arnold Holdsworth, 88, who has been living with dementia for 15 years.

Julie Alexander, his daughter, said: "A couple of times he's gone out in the middle of the night in the freezing cold.

"One person actually walked him home, another night he came home in a car."

He continued: "I didn't know anything about it, I didn't know he'd gone out.

"It's very worrying, especially at night."

The trackers give location updates to a phone linked to the device, with information only viewable to authorised family or carers.

It also carries a QR code that when scanned will allow a family member or carer to be contacted directly, with the device's battery lasting up to three years without a charge.

PCSO Ben Verdeyen, who is helping to issue the devices, said: "The fear of them leaving the house and not knowing where they can be is massive.

"To have these in place is just an extra form of safeguarding."

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