Wandering and GPS Technology for Seniors in Palm Beach Gardens

Wandering and GPS Technology for Seniors in Palm Beach Gardens

Memory problems can make life difficult but in some cases they could even put your life at risk. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, six in ten patients with Alzheimer’s or any other cases of dementia, are at risk for wandering, even those patients in the early stages of this condition.

Cognitive deteriorating illnesses like Alzheimer’s can affect someone’s memory and capability to move from one place to another, they become disoriented for very long periods of time as their memory issues increase. Someone with Alzheimer’s may not remember his or her address, name or personal information, this can result in wandering even in familiar places. This can be very dangerous for seniors who suffer from this condition, but fortunately there are new ways and technology to prevent it.

Signs And Alerts That Your Loved One May Be Wandering

It’s important to look out for warning signs in patients with Alzheimer’s. Prevention is key and having a plan for this kind of situation can make the difference. Here are some signs and alerts that you should keep an eye on:

• Seniors that forget how to get to familiar places.
• Returning from regular walks later than usual.
• Wants to go home even when they are at home.
• Talks about former obligations, like going to work.
• Patients have problems locating and recognizing familiar places, even inside their own home.
• Asking about past friends and family.
• Repetitive movements.
• Feels anxious in crowded places

How To Prevent Wandering In Seniors Of Palm Beach Gardens?

• Create a routine: accomplishing daily activities or plans can create a structure and automatic habits in seniors.
• Communicate: Talk to your loved ones and reassure them in case they feel lost, anxious or at risk.
• Identify the time of the day that wandering may happen: Observe your loved one and plan activities at that specific time.
• Place locks on exterior doors, install them out of the line of sight.
• Always make sure they feel comfortable and all basic needs are met. If a patient is thirsty or hungry they will feel anxious and they will probably try to go out.
• Look for help, caregivers are a great option to keep your loved one supervised and safe.
• Avoid crowded places, they can result in stress and confusion.
• If your loved one is no longer driving, place car keys out of sight. Seniors with dementia can wander by foot and many other means. If they are still driving, place a GPS monitor to help them if they get lost.

What to Do In Case Your Loved One Wanders?

If a person with Alzheimer’s wanders and gets lost is a really stressful event. Many family members and caregivers don’t know how to handle this situation because they are not prepared for this kind of problem. It is important to have a plan and be prepared in case of an emergency and to know which resources you can use.

1. Always ask family and neighbors to keep a look on your loved one, and to call if they see anything unusual or if he or she is walking alone around the neighborhood.
2. Make a list of emergency numbers and people to call for help. Make this list easily accessible for anyone in your house.
3. Get to know your neighborhood. Identify dangerous places near your house such as open stairwells, lakes, bus stops, highways.
4. Keep in mind that your loved one will probably follow the direction of their dominant hand, know if they are right or left-handed, also keep a list of places they will probably look for, like former jobs or house, restaurant, church, a friend’s house.
5. In case you can’t find your loved one, call 911 and keep in hand an updated photo and medical information to give to authorities.

Using GPS Technology to Track Alzheimer’s Patients in Palm Beach Gardens

There are many methods and sources to help you keep your loved ones safe, especially if they suffer from Dementia. Among these resources, GPS tracking technology is a great tool for family members and caregivers that can prevent emergencies and stressful situations while keeping your loved one in a safe and known ratio.

Many industries nowadays are developing new technologies to keep you connected with the ones you love. GPS tracking is one of them, it lets you locate your loved one and notify a caregiver or family member if they are safe or if they have left their safe zone, while indicating their exact location on a map.

Families with Alzheimer’s patients can benefit from this new tool that brings you peace of mind while taking care of your loved one. Seniors with dementia who use these devices, are able to walk and move around an specific radio frequency safe zone. If they leave this area, the device, which can be used around the wrist like a sports watch, automatically notifies the caregiver or family member in charge, in case of identifying a situation of risk.

Taking care of a senior with Alzheimer’s can be a hard and demanding task but with patience, information and the right assistance you can bring out the best of this experience and avoid difficult and risky situations.

With Right at Home Palm Beach Gardens specialty Alzheimer's home care services, your loved one will receive a customized assistance plan, that will take into account their environment and special needs to make them feel safe and happy while being in the best hands.