Dementia can disorient a person's memory such that the places known to them become unfamiliar. The condition consequently makes it more difficult for the patient to adjust to new environments. Dementia often leads to wandering, and this can expose the senior to getting lost or harming themselves.
Consequently, family and caregivers find themselves worrying about the safety of their loved ones. Lifesaving location devices are here to address wandering and help caregivers keep their loved ones in check and secure. The GPS capability of the devices ensures help can reach the wearer quickly whenever he or she wanders.
Best Medical Alert Devices In The Market
The top alert systems currently in the market are Mobilehelp, GreatCall and Medical Guardian. The three products help in ensuring the senior's independence by offering a means for accessing emergency assistance. They also have a fall detection sensor, which is critical in any medical alert device. Our top choice would be Greatcall, because besides being affordable, it features a variety of options that are fitted with the latest technology.
Benefits Of Lifesaving Location Devices For Seniors With Dementia
Here is the list of 7 benefits of using lifesaving location devices for seniors and patients who are suffering from Dementia.
1. Maintains the Confidence of the senior
People with dementia can use GPS systems to feel confident when they venture outdoors. Taking a walk outside is sometimes a risk for seniors with dementia. The state hampers the capacity of the person to trace their way back and their ability to remember and process objects they see. Consequently, the condition can make one lose their way and get lost. While some people opt to lock their seniors indoors, this is not good because people with dementia wish to talk a walk outdoors. Family and caregivers can always trace the location of their loved one via a tablet or a computer. This makes the senior feel confident that if they lose their way, help will locate them and be there promptly.
2. Guarantees the safety of the seniors
GPS gadgets improve the safety of seniors when they take a walk outdoors. The GPS gadgets feature an alarm button for the wearer to press in case they need assistance or during an emergency. The devices allow caregivers to set boundaries beyond which if the wearer closes, they send alerts. Family can always locate their loved one promptly to avert any dangers. Care providers can also work with police to respond or find the senior.
3. Features geo-fencing Capabilities
Geofencing is essential for those with dementia and tend to wander a lot. Geofencing facilitates continuous monitoring throughout the day and night. The feature allows you to set a perimeter in a designated area. The function will send you a notification if the senior cross the boundary. The real-time alert will enable you to find them quickly.
4. Promotes the senior's independence
People who have dementia can continue to enjoy their independence, pursue outdoor activities and enjoy their freedom despite the progression of their condition. This is important for seniors residing in secure wards in nursing homes. Conflict may arise when the patient wishes to go out but feels restrained by staff who want to lead the patient's way. With GPS, the nursing facility can allow the patient to go for a walk, monitor his or her whereabouts and then come back later. This will calm the patient. If the patient fails to return, it is easy to locate and bring him or her back.
Also, read about: Alzheimer's Disease Causes, Stages and Treatment5. Peace of mind for the senior and the caregiver
Having to monitor the movement of another person is a demanding task because they can wander at any time without telling anyone. However, with GPS safety devices, the caregiver can have time for themselves. The caregiver, medical provider, and family can have peace of mind without worrying that the senior might leave home. The caregiver is less anxious about the patient getting lost. It is good to note that people in experiencing early stages of dementia remain aware of how much their family worries about them. They are thus happy and willing to wear GPS tracking devices to offer assurance to their loved ones.
6. Facilitates active tracking
GPS devices are capable of updating the location of a person every five to thirty minutes or even real-time location depending on the premiums and the gadget. This means caregivers can get real-time GPS coordinates for the position of their loved one at any while throughout the day or night. If the person wanders off, the family can quickly locate him or her using a computer or smartphone.
7. Extends the normal life of the senior
Many senior people as well as those with dementia to continue staying in their own home and keep up with life as they did before. GPS devices can facilitate their stay in their homes for as long as possible. Caregivers can attach the GPS gadgets to key rings, put them in a bag or have them installed in the soles of the shoes of the senior. With these in place, the senior can continue with his routine life while the family and caregiver can monitor their movements and safety with ease.
Also, read about: Dementia: More a symptom than a diseaseAbout The Author
This write-up was contributed to Credihealth by Annabelle Carter.Annabelle Carter Short writes for several health publications with a specific interest in brain health. She also works with few organizations to provide families with the best resources for raising and educating a child with ASD. When not working, she's spending time with her family or putting pen to paper for her own personal pursuits. Annabelle is a mother and she loves sewing and making crafts with her children.
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