Posted:
(10 a.m.)
As part of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, Halifax Regional Police is launching a new pilot program that is designed for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia.
The program is called Project S.O.F.T (Satellite Option Finding Technology) Wear and has been in the works since 2007. Police conducted an internal review, followed by community engagement and consultation with local seniors and service agencies including the Alzheimer Society and the Victorian Order of Nurses, during the design phase.
The program is designed for clients who are at least 55 years of age and have Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia and have a history of wandering. Ten devices, which provide tracking in real time using internet mapping software, were purchased through funding from the Nova Scotia Department of Seniors. In the event that someone wearing the watch-like device wanders, police will have the ability to track them to within ten feet of their actual position.
The program is available to residents of Halifax, Dartmouth and Bedford (communities patrolled by Halifax Regional Police). The pilot phase is scheduled to run for 12 months and there is no cost for participants during that period. Anyone interested in learning more or to inquire about requesting a device can contact 490-2554.