Today's Alzheimer's Weekly/Dementia Weekly email newsletter had a reprint from the Wall St. Journal on a new Google personal tracking device and a competing product. Both were mentioned as good for keeping tabs on wandering folks with AD/dementia causing illnesses. They are apparently small portable modems, about the size of a keyring with some keys on it. The cost of one is about $395, with a $50 monthly fee. I feel it would probably be a good investment, but here's my confusion--how in the world would one expect an AD patient to keep this with them at all times? My husband would never be able to do that--(a) he would have to learn something new (b) he may carry it if I remind him, but there's a good chance he would lose it. Perhaps a very early stage person could remember to carry it and not lose it, but then they are the ones least likely to wander and get lost! How could this product be recommended for use by dementia sufferers? Am I missing something? I think the Project Lifesaver device that straps to the wrist is much more practical, but it's not offered in my area.
marilyninMD when my husband first entered his dementia facility wanderguard was attached to his ankle as he was a flight risk. It was supposed to trigger an alarm as he approached the alarmed front door. He proceeded to somehow remove the device and present it to the social worker who had applied it. For him it would have helped only at the point where he no longer needed it. I agree with your assesment of the tracking device. Project Lifesaver is great-sorry not in your area.
If it was an actual keychain my husband could remember to take it with him. I made such a fuss about his not going out the door without a key that when he forgot it a couple of days ago he came back to get it.
A watchlike object might work on him since he does remember to put a watch on, but since he owns several he might not be willing to only wear the one.
Mine won't wear any kind of bracelet or necklace. He seldom wears a watch. These gadgets are made so small now, I really think a medical order for necessity should be possible for an implant--microchip. We take better care of our pets which might get lost, than we do of the LOs who are ill and can't look out for themselves. This would not be in violation of their "rights" if it were a medical necessity. Could be justified by need for medications.
Good idea, Carosi, on the implant. It's the only fail safe device I can think of. I just wondered who the "experts" are that suggested these portable devices for people with dementia. They certainly aren't very practical if they are something that have to be carried. I was told that GPS devices aren't so great for people with dementia in general, because many times they will go to a hidden place (seeking shelter, I guess) and the satellite can't get a signal then, anyway.
I think they fall under the "something is better than nothing" category.
I've seen posts by caregivers that those "chaperone cell phones" have been worth their weight in gold. For ADLOs who will carry a cell phone, of course!
Sunshyne ........ first of all our LOs need to be able to remember how to use a phone, cell or otherwise ....... my husband has no concept of using a phone at all any more. Being an old Policeman who used two way radios, when I hand him the phone to say hello to someone he takes it, holds it up to his mouth and talks into the ear piece like it's a two way radio and waits for them to respond ..... LoL !
Although my husband isn't a wanderer, at least at this time ....... I do have him registered with the Safe Home Project and he wears an ID bracelet with just his first name and a number engraved on it. If he were to become lost a Police person could just tap into the data bank and find out where he lived.
For those who's LOs refuse to wear a bracelet or necklace/neck chain - the newer ID bracelets do come with what they call a Lobster clasp which is near impossible to open for an AD patient. If one were to put the ID bracelet on the dominant arm it would be virtually impossible for the wearer to take it off .... just a thought.
Bar-bra, the LO doesn't have to remember how to use the phone, s/he only has to carry it. (And it does have to be "on".) The system is set up so that should the LO leave the house, your phone would signal you. And your LO's phone has a GPS, which lets you pull up a map that will show you where your LO is.
Ohhhhhhh, I see ....... sounds like a GREAT idea Sunshyne ! Can you give me an exact name or URL for this type of phone? Do you know if they work in Canada?
Bar-bra, the two that I've heard about are the Verizon chaperone phone, and the Family Locator system from Sprint. Our own "Mary" has the Verizon system. Maybe she can give you details. Meanwhile, I'll see what I can find on the web.
i think an enclosed tag with a chip that could be clipped to the belt loops or clothing in the back so they couldnt remove would be good. out of sight out of mind??? my DH hasnt taken off his safe return BL once since i put it on 8yrs ago.! divvi
THANKS for the information Sunshyne ! ....... the Verizon would involve paying a roaming fee (which can be very expensive) to use it in Canada. I can't see any information about whether or not the Sprint is usable in Canada - although I do know we are canvassed all the time (read telemarketers :)) trying to get us to switch to their phone service so maybe this Sprint Family Locator would be viable in Canada - perhaps next time they call trying to get me to switch phone service I should ask them about this locator stuff.
So far my husband hasn't wandered nor given any indication to wander and I do have a bracelet on him - so so far so good but you just never know and its always good to find out this sort of information in case one does need it.
WOW ! Sunshyne ! ........ thanks ever so much - I just now saw this posting and went right away to the website - quickly read through and it looks like something we might be able to use here in Canada. When Son comes out next weekend I'm going to have him go through it - he has the new iPhone with the bazillion bells and whistles it has on it so we might be able to set something up using that and my regular cell phone ......... THANKS again !