There is currently considerable ethical debate into the use of GPS for people living with dementia. Alzheimers Australia WA takes these issues very seriously and views it as an important element in the use of this technology.  Ethical considerations come under three main headings, Consent, Constraint and Confidentiality.

Consent
Primarily a person with dementia needs to be empowered and given the opportunity to consent to use of the device.  If this is not possible our aim is to receive consent from the nearest relative.  Throughout the process of obtaining consent other options will be discussed with the family to ensure that use of this technology is the most suitable course of action and if other alternatives would be more suitable or preferable by the person with dementia.

Constraint
We recognise some people may see this service as denying a person their freedom of rights, their right to walk freely and independently of others.  This service however is aimed at providing opportunities of autonomy and inclusion into society, eliminating the need for early entry into residential facilities where independence and freedom of movement may be reduced. The service also aims to reduce carer burden and prevent the need for having to implement restrictive ways to stop the person they care for from walking.

Confidentiality
Alzheimers Australia WA takes the issues of confidentiality very seriously and will use personal information for its intended uses only and shared with only those people who require the information.   Any person who has access to this information beyond the family will have signed an Alzheimers Australia WA confidentiality agreement and will be bound by its policy.

The Consultancy Department has been conducting research with the use of GPS since November 2006.  To date, research participants have not express any ethical concerns, indeed they have welcomed the use of a GPS location device and viewed it as a more person centered solution to a difficult problem considering the alternatives of having to lock the person they care for up, or the need to admit to a residential care facility.  We continue to engage consumers to get feedback on the subject and improve the way this technology is used.