As an Alzheimer’s caregiver, you may be well aware of some of the vital safety issues for those with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). One such safety concern during the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease (AD dementia, involves protecting those who tend to wander.
According to experts, as many as sixty percent of individuals with AD wander. This means they spontaneously leave their residence and may get lost trying to remember how to return home. It’s a scary prospect for many caregivers. In the past safety measures included using locked gates and alarm systems for protection from wandering. But today, technology has helped to improve safety for those with AD.
Now there are new innovative GPS devices designed specifically for those with AD-and their family members-who can rest assured that if their loved one does wander out of the home, he/she will be easy to locate.
The device is a small apparatus, the size of a 9-volt battery. This GPS tool is kept in the pocket of the individual with AD-allowing caregivers and family members to monitor their loved one’s location from using an internet connection.
The technology allows for a geographical parameter to be set up around the individual’s residence. When the person with AD wanders outside of the pre-set parameter, a notification email, text or voicemail will be sent out. The location information of the loved one with AD will be announced via the Geo tracking mechanism.
There are several new Geo tracking devices available for individuals with AD. One is called “Tell My Geo.” To view the demonstration video to learn more about how this Android app works; CLICK HERE. This app offers the ability to store health and medical history that can be sent directly to medical professionals in the event of an emergency.
There are several other types of devices including “GPS Smart Shoe” (which tracks location via a shoe worn by the individual with AD) and “911 Bracelet ST Locator” (a lockable wrist band).
Of course it’s still important to implement other safety measures and to provide continuous supervision for anyone with AD dementia.
Learn more about topics for AD caregivers by joining our FREE 25 lesson course at AlzU.org, CLICK HERE to join.
