SmartSole Dementia Slippers

The trial of pioneering technology to improve dementia care using tracking slippers has proved to be successful.

19:24 28 June 2018

Dementia tracking slippers, which were commissioned by Dorset County Council, has proven to be extremely effective in improving care for dementia patients who had a tendency to wander.

 

Called SmartSole, the slippers feature a non-invasive tracking tool inside the footwear that alerts the carer if the person using them wanders outside a set parameter or distance. The alerts contain the location of the wearer, which allows carers to easily locate them. The technology gives wearers increased independence and carers peace of mind.

 

Louise Seaward, Dementia and Delirium Team Lead at Royal Bournemouth Hospital, said: "Someone is diagnosed with dementia somewhere in the UK every three minutes and researchers estimate approximately 75 million people will be living with dementia worldwide by 2030.

 

"That's why we must act now and find ways on how we can best support those living with it."

 

Emily Gravestock, UK Space Agency head of applications, added: “Britain’s world-leading space sector continues to grow and support vital public services like the NHS with innovative applications. We encourage all businesses and public bodies to consider the role that satellite data can play in tackling some of the biggest challenges we face, as part of the government’s Industrial Strategy.”