The university of Borås did during 2011-2012 complete a research study called “Evaluating the beneficial effects of mobile safety alarms for people with dementia, their family and society”. Participants from 26 different municipalities used the GPS based alarm from Posifon as part of the study. The purpose was to identify the benficial effects of using a GPS alarm and to investigate the ethical aspects which occur when the alarm is used. The study was performed with financial support from the Alzheimers fund and from the governmental institute of Technical aid for the elderly.
The conclusion of the study confirms the beneficial effects experienced by Posifon’s customers:
- Mobile safety alarms leads to an improved quality of life, discharge for friends and family as well as for care personal.
- The effort made and the risks that occur in connection with a person disappearing are significantly reduced.
- Consequently, the possibility of an extended regular living situation is increased.
- Family and friends describe a reduced sense of stress and worry as the key beneficial aspects.
- Society makes up for the cost of the mobile safety alarms in less than four months which means that the cost does not pose an obstacle for the user to rely on Posifon’s alarm service.
- Taking into consideration the current legislations and comments from users and their family or friends, there are no ethical aspects standing in the way for the usage of a GPS based mobile safety alarm.
This report were later translated into English, you can read it here: Extended safety and support systems for people with dementia living at home