HAMPSHIRE County Council has launched a pioneering new scheme, in partnership with Argenti Telecare, to support people in the county living with dementia.

Pathfinder involves an initial group of 100 people living with an early/new diagnosis of dementia in trialling a 24-hour personal emergency monitoring service that helps sufferers to continue to live independently in their own home.

Using wireless technology and environmental sensors to continuously monitor those with care and support needs, 24-hour monitoring ensures that the right help can be provided immediately and also gives reassurance to relatives and carers who are not able to provide round the clock support.

Those living with dementia at home can call for help with the simple touch of a button – where they can then be linked to the telecare monitoring team who can provide the help and support required.

Councillor Liz Fairhurst, executive member for adult social care, commented: “Telecare has proved hugely successful in helping many of the county’s older residents and those with disabilities to continue living independently at home. We have only started to scratch the surface of the potential benefits that technology can bring in the field of adult social care, and this Pathfinder, particularly tailored to the needs of those with dementia, offers exciting possibilities in helping maintaining independence.”

Those taking part in the scheme are largely being identified by county council-funded Dementia Advisers working for Andover Mind and the Alzheimer’s Society.

In addition, the Pathfinder scheme is working with some consultants and GPs in Hampshire to further identify individuals who may benefit from the service.

It is estimated around 20,000 people are currently living with dementia in Hampshire, with the number expected to increase by a third in the next seven years.

The aim is to review the impact of the scheme after six months using feedback from participants plus their carers, along with Argenti telecare service providers and the Adult Services team at Hampshire County Council.

If the scheme proves successful, there is scope to expand the programme to many more people.