Safe to wander - Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

5to discuss such risks and tohelp the person to understandthe benefits of technologysolutions. Care-givers shouldmake a careful record ofsuch discussions includingwhether the person agreesor disagrees with the useof technology. This must beapproached with sensitivityand only after the person hashad time to come to termswith his or her diagnosisand its implications.The views of relevant othersshould be taken into accountA wide range of people willhave valuable roles to playin the decision on whetherto use wandering technology,including:• Nearest and close relativesand friends will knowthe person best andcan provide valuableinformation about his/herlife. This may be crucial inunderstanding the person’sbehaviour. They will alsohave views about risks anddignity and these shouldbe taken into account.• A welfare attorney orguardian with powersover the person’s welfaremay have the authorityto consent to the useof wandering technology.Even where a specificpower is not included inthese granted these mayinclude decisions onthe person’s place ofresidence, which may beaffected by the potentialuse of technology. In suchcases it is important toconsult such a person onthe use of technology.• Professional carers willhave experience inmanaging wanderingbehaviour, in particular theiradvice on environmentaldesign or modificationsand assessment of riskwill aid the decisionmaking process.The intervention shouldencourage the person to useexisting skills and developnew onesThis principle is to beobserved by attorneys,guardians and managersof care establishments,and represents good practicefor anyone involved in theperson’s care. If the useof technology to managewandering behaviourincreases the opportunityfor the person to use existingskills and to develop newones, then it merits seriousconsideration.Considering the use ofwandering technology:assessment and careplanningPrior to introducing anywandering technologysystem there should becareful physical andpsychological assessmentto eliminate any reversiblecause of the wanderingbehaviour. This assessmentwould involve analysing whatis actually happening, whenit is happening, what triggersthe behaviour and whatintervention helps.• Physical assessmentAny physical assessmentsshould be multi-disciplinaryand should include:Medication reviewMany medications for bothphysical and psychiatricconditions have side-effectswhich can include motorrestlessness, confusion andconstipation amongst others.All of these side-effectscan contribute to thedevelopment of worseningwandering behaviour andmedications should beregularly reviewed by themedical practitioner(particularly those suppliedfor the treatment of anxiety,depression and insomnia).