Hi-tech dementia wristbands offer 'reassurance and comfort'

Don, pictured with friend and carer Angela McLaughlin, was diagnosed in 2016

High tech wristbands that can help find people with dementia should they go missing will give patients and families "great reassurance and comfort", a carer has said.

The bracelets, which are being rolled out in Northern Ireland for the first time, store information such as the wearer's name, next of kin and contact details which can be accessed by scanning a barcode with a smartphone.

The Age Concern Causeway scheme will see 1,000 bands being given to people in the Coleraine area.

Angela McLaughlin, friend and carer for former professional golfer Don McCart, said he had gone missing on a number of occasions over the years.

Mr McCart was diagnosed with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease in 2016.

“It’s sad in so many ways because I am Don’s memory now essentially,” Ms McLaughlin told BBC News NI.

“He has been out playing golf and decided to walk home seven miles away with the golf clubs on his back.

"He has also left the house and gone missing and was once found in a shop.

“Those are just two examples and it’s very frightening for the person but also their carer and the families involved."

'Sense of independence'

The wristbands that are being used by people with dementia

Mr McCart started work at the age of 16 and was born in Scotland.

He later became an engineer for Rolls-Royce and through his love for golf became a professional player across Europe and different parts of the world.

“It’s hard to see Don like this now especially when he had such an illustrious career. He’s also a great guitar player and artist," Ms McLaughlin said.

She added it has been a "challenging time" since her friend was diagnosed.

"People will know that it gets to a stage where people diagnosed repeat stories from times gone by," she said.

"It saddens me when there are days that Don can’t even do that."

Ms McLaughlin said the wristbands would be a "positive first for Northern Ireland".

“The wristbands will give great reassurance and comfort to people and a sense of independence," she added.

“We do worry that he might go missing again but now with the wristband it makes you feel more relaxed.”

'Real need' for scheme

More than 22,000 people are living with dementia in Northern Ireland, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Mandy Corr, manager at Age Concern Causeway, said the scheme cost £3,500 with the help of other bodies and it is hoped it will spread far and wide.

“We saw a real need for these bands as many clients have wandered,” Mandy told BBC News NI.

“All you have to do is scan the QR code and the relevant information pops up on your phone."

Mandy says the scheme also raises awareness about dementia

Ms Corr said it is "easy to use" and that local shop workers and cafes are aware of the scheme as well.

She said the body also aims to work with Translink.

“Not only is this a positive step in the right direction, it raises awareness around dementia in the community too.”

Lincolnshire Police in England launched a similar scheme in 2022.

Wiltshire Police, Greater Manchester Police and Avon and Somerset Police also gave out wristbands.

Stormont’s Heath Minister Mike Nesbitt said he welcomed the scheme, adding it could change people’s lives for the better.

“Any new and innovative ideas that improve the lives of individuals living with dementia in Northern Ireland are welcomed,” Mr Nesbitt said.

A spokesperson for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “This project is an example of community planning at its best.

“Following an approach from Age Concern Causeway, the community planning team in council brought together several supporting partners," they continued.

“It is with great delight that we have been able to assist Age Concern Causeway in bringing about the successful development of this support scheme.”