Getting lost is a common and dangerous problem for elderly dementia patients and their caregivers. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over 60% of patients with dementia wander and get lost at some point during their illness (1). This not only causes distress for the patients themselves but is extremely worrying for their loved ones. Wandering episodes can also turn fatal if the patient is not found quickly. This highlights the importance of utilizing available tools like GPS trackers to prevent wandering in elderly dementia patients.
In this article, we will explore why GPS devices are an essential investment for caregivers and family members of patients with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and related disorders.
The Causes and Risks of Wandering in Elderly Dementia Patients
Wandering is a complex behavior in dementia that stems from both cognitive and physical factors (2):
- Memory loss causes disorientation and an inability to find one’s way back.
- Poor judgment leads to impulsive decisions to leave unsafe places.
- Restlessness and agitation create an urge to walk about aimlessly.
- Reduced inhibition lowers awareness of appropriate behaviors.
This dangerous cocktail means over 60% of elderly dementia patients wander at least once after diagnosis (1). Wandering also increases risks of other injuries like falls. If not found in time, patients may suffer from dehydration, hypothermia, fractures and even death (3). Caregivers thus need solutions to prevent wandering right from the early stages of dementia.
How GPS Trackers Help Prevent Wandering in Elderly Dementia Patients
GPS tracking devices designed for senior citizens with dementia allow caregivers to monitor their loved one’s location in real-time (4). If wandering occurs, the device sends alerts so the patient can be promptly guided back to safety. GPS trackers give freedom of mobility while offsetting major risks.
Some benefits of using GPS trackers for dementia patients include:
- Providing real-time location data via smartphone apps.
- Tracking both indoor and outdoor movement.
- Alerting caregivers if patients leave designated safe zones.
- Recording location history to identify wandering patterns.
- Allowing two-way communication through call features.
- Enabling easy location sharing with family members and first responders.
- Integrating fall detection to get alerts of accidents.
- Offering lock mechanisms to secure devices from removal.
With easy usability, discreet wearable design, and comprehensive safety features, GPS trackers are emerging as one of the best tools to prevent wandering in elderly dementia patients. They provide indispensable peace of mind to caregivers and families coping with this difficult disorder.
Choosing the Right GPS Tracker for Dementia Patients
When selecting a GPS tracker for an elderly loved one, keep the following factors in mind:
- Opt for easy wearable styles like wristbands, pendants or clip-ons suited for seniors.
- Pick a device with accurate indoor/outdoor location tracking.
- Look for geofencing and other alerts to warn about wandering.
- Ensure long battery life and waterproofing for constant use.
- Check if it has clear audio for communication.
- See if the interface is intuitive and easy to use for caregivers.
- Consider additional features like fall detection, medication reminders, etc.
After comparing different devices, Locare360’s GPS tracker necklace is an ideal choice with its senior-friendly design, highly sensitive GPS, geo-fencing with alerts, WiFi positioning, two-way calling, and SOS features (5). It is discreet, comfortable for constant wear and provides comprehensive wandering prevention. Their customer care team also backs it with responsive support.
With dementia rates rising globally, using assistive devices like GPS trackers is imperative to safeguard elderly memory loss patients. Utilizing the latest technology can help reduce risks and provide greater autonomy with round-the-clock monitoring. Caregivers must learn about and invest in reliable tools like GPS tracking necklaces and bracelets to prevent the anguish of wandering episodes leading to injuries or worse. Combining compassionate care with innovations like Locare360’s solutions is key to giving dementia patients better quality of life while living with this incurable syndrome.
References: