What are the perceptions of people living with dementia, family carers, professionals and other potential stakeholders to the use of global positioning systems to promote safer outdoor walking?: a qualitative literature review

Abstract

<b>Conclusion:</b> GPS was felt to have the potential to facilitate independent outdoor walking, but systems need to be tailored to the individual. There is also a need to contradict negative societal perceptions of the ability of people with dementia to live a fulfilled life which is in danger of diminishing GPS's potential to improve quality of life for people with dementia.Implications for RehabilitationWhilst dementia is a disabling and incurable disease, taking advantage of technological developments such as GPS can diminish its negative impact.Appropriate development and use of GPSs offers the potential to enable people with dementia to explore the outdoors independently with subsequent improvement in self-confidence, independence and autonomy.Professionals working with people with dementia need to be aware of the GPS technology available and the ethical issues involved to support the use of GPS.