Safe2Walk GPS device saves a life

Rose McKenney, who has early-stage dementia and lives in an independent hostel, was reported missing by staff one Sunday afternoon when she did not return from her usual walk.

The police were called and a search of the area was conducted but Rose was unable to be found. When the police discovered that Rose was carrying her Safe2Walk GPS device, they contacted the Alzheimer's Australia WA helpline and sought the assistance of a staff member.

When it was discovered that Rose's device was turned off, the staff member was able to reset it remotely and obtain an online location point of the Safe2Walk GPS device. The information was then relayed to the police who responded immediately.

Missing person found
When First Class Constable Stephen Ryan arrived at the location provided by the GPS device, he found Rose curled up asleep under a tree on a steep embankment close to the Canning River in Wilson - 8kms from home.

By this point, she had been missing for more than six hours and was beginning to develop hypothermia. She was taken to hospital for observation and was discharged the next day.

Good outcome
Alzheimer’s Australia WA Manager of Consultancy Services Jason Burton said if it was not for the Safe2Walk device and the police, the outcome for Rose could have been tragic.

"We were fortunate to be able to locate Rose in time as research has shown that a person with dementia who goes missing for longer than 12 hours is twice as likely to be found dead or seriously injured, " he said.

Constable Ryan described Safe2Walk as a lifesaver.

"Rose was quite far from public roads and she would not have been found for quite some time," he said.

"We do see a number of people with dementia going missing and sometimes these cases do not end well. Hopefully this device will ensure that more future instances will be resolved with a happy ending."

Rose's son Noel said the Safe2Walk device has given the family confidence and peace of mind knowing Rose can still maintain her freedom and independence.

About Safe2Walk
Safe2Walk provides a person with dementia with a GPS location device that is also a one-touch mobile phone and panic alert. For more information, visit www.safe2walk.com.au or call (08) 9388 2800.