The Metropolitan Police is promoting the use of GPS tracking technology to help support people with dementia.

The "Safer Walking" campaign is raising awareness of the benefits of a tracking device in reassuring carers and providing assistance to those with dementia.

The devices are also there to assist and reassure families that their loved one is walking in a safe environment, and to support services in locating people with dementia.

Every year, the Metropolitan Police investigates around 44,000 missing person cases, with the majority of missing people being located safe and well.

The force is currently working with care homes, local authorities and NHS trusts in a bid to reduce the number of missing people, by ensuring appropriate safeguarding is in place for those who go missing.

Chief Superintendent Steve Wallace said: "The use of safer walking technology is not a substitute for good care and the right level of support.

"There must also be a balance between protecting your loved ones from potential harm, and not interfering with their human rights or rights to privacy.

"As well as offering peace of mind these products assist the police and other agencies to locate lost individuals.

"The use of this technology may also increase independence, allowing an individual more freedom, and reduce the need for more restrictive measures, such as locking doors."

"It can offer a sense of security and independence"

Working with Alzheimer's Society, Age UK, and Dementia UK, the Metropolitan Police aims to highlight the advantages of the small battery powered GPS device.

Depending on the condition of the patient, it is advised to obtain their permission to use the tracker, allowing them to get used to how it works, especially in the early stages of their condition.

Dr Hilda Hayo, CEO and chief admiral nurse at Dementia UK, said: "GPS can be reassuring and empowering for a person with dementia.

"It can offer a sense of security and independence, thus reducing stress and anxiety for the person, as well as their carer.

"The decision to use GPS technology should be based on the best interests of the person's safety, taking issues of privacy into account, and ideally having gained their consent."

Many GPS devices provide location through smartphone apps, websites or via text messages

Using a combination of satellite (GPS) and phone (GPRS) signals, the device will give an accurate location, with many providing the location through smartphone apps, websites or via text messages.

The device can be worn around a patient's neck, attached to a set of keys or around the wrist.

Chief executive at Alzheimer's Society Jeremy Hughes said: "Going for a walk can be hugely beneficial for a person with dementia, helping them continue to live well in their local community, take exercise and get out and about to do things they enjoy - but it can also present challenges.

"As a person's dementia progresses, they may become more confused, which can lead to them getting lost or disorientated even in familiar surroundings.

"This often causes distress for the person with dementia and their carer, and means the police often have to get involved to help locate the person and get them home safely.

"We are excited to have united with the Metropolitan Police Service to deliver practical solutions to help people with dementia stay safe.

"Technology that is tailored to individual needs can support people living with the condition to get out and about more safely, and allow them to live well in their communities for longer."

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