Telecare to be trialled for dementia patients

Dementia patients in Gloucestershire may be able to retain their independence for longer as a result of new telecare technologies set to be trialled in the region.

A new suite will be opened at the Charlton Lane hospital in Cheltenham later this month, the Gloucestershire Echo reports.

The area is equipped with motion sensors, fall detectors and alarms to call for assistance in an effort to see if this technology could be successfully transported into the homes of people with dementia.

Staff at the hospital - which is run by the 2gether NHS Foundation Trust - will also be trained in how to operate the systems involved.

Shannette Bendall, senior occupational therapist at the trust's Managing Memory Service, said: "Having dementia can make you forget how to respond in certain situations and to forget to do the things that keep you safe."

Ms Bendall suggested the technology will help to ensure patients are safe in their own homes and reduce the burden on carers.

Find the nearest Barchester care home.