High-tech device helps elderly with dementia in Ningbo

Volunteers help an elderly resident (left) to wear the new tracking device at a nursing home in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province on Feb 7. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

Zhenhai district in Ningbo, East China's Zhejiang province recently issued an upgraded tracking device for elderly residents with dementia.

Unlike the former version of the device, the upgraded device utilizes the Beidou satellite navigation system instead of base stations, which helps to track users' real-time movements. Their families and caregivers will be able to monitor their movement through an app on their phones and computers.

To prevent the elderly users from getting lost, a security zone can be set up using the device. If the user leaves the zone, a message will be immediately sent to his or her emergency contact numbers.

The device was launched by the Tianyuan Volunteer Service Center and local authorities.

The new devices were first sent to a group of mentally-handicapped elderly residents at Sijiyongyi Nursing Home on Feb 7. Volunteers taught the staff at the nursing home how to use the device.

"We will promote the use of the new tracking devices to more elderly in need, not only in the district but also throughout Ningbo," said Chen Chen, head of the Tianyuan Volunteer Service Center.

The new device has reassured the families of the elderly. A family member of an elderly resident surnamed Zheng said that he will feel more at ease with the help of the device.