Applied Digital SolutiAlzheimer's Disease, GPS Technology and Alzheimer's Disease, Applied Digital Solutions sells a device Digital Angel
Alzheimer's Disease, GPS Technology and Alzheimer's Disease, UPMC | University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA:"Personal locator devices using GPS technology can be used to pinpoint the location of lost Alzheimer�s patients. For example, Applied Digital Solutions sells a device called the Digital Angel, which is worn as a watch, plus has a separate clip-on pager. Using GPS mapping software and cell phone networks, the Digital Angel alerts caretakers by e-mail (sent to a cell phone, personal computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), or text pager) when an Alzheimer�s patient has wandered out of a pre-designated area. Two other companies selling similar devices are SIDSA, based in Spain, and Secom, based in Japan.
The advantages of using a GPS locator device over more traditional personal alert systems is that the user doesn�t have to activate it and the technology works over a larger geographic area. The main disadvantage is cost.
The Bottom Line
Wandering is a serious problem for Alzheimer�s patients and their caretakers. There are a few simple measures that caretakers can follow, however, to help prevent wandering:
Conceal or camouflage doors.
Install locks, alarm systems, and wandering monitoring devices.
Label doors to explain the purpose of each room and to discourage exit/entry. Use warning signs or symbols that say 'Do Not Enter' or 'No!'
Try to identify when the patient is likely to wander and distract him or her with another activity at that time.
Encourage activity that will relieve the patient�s anxiety.
Reassure the patient that he or she is in the right place.
If you are a caretaker for an Alzheimer�s patient, registering him or her in the Safe Return program may be a great option for your peace of mind. But if you�d feel better being able to find exactly w"
posted by Jen @ 3:35 AM
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