A New High-Tech Solution to Alzheimer's Wandering -- And a Warning
By Paula Spencer Scott, Caring.com senior editor
Three scary things to know about someone with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia wandering out the door:
- You can't know when it will happen for the first time -- but almost two-thirds of people with dementia wander off at some point.
- Once it happens, it's almost certain to happen again.
- Up to half of wanderers missing for 24 hours are not found alive.
That's why last week's launch of a new service to track and locate people with dementia who have wandered off is big news. And good news -- except for the cautionary notes I'll get to in a moment.
Lojack SafetyNet starts with a radio-tracking device inside a wristband or ankle band ("beacon"). Local law enforcement agencies have a receiver, which can pick up the signal, even in dense woods or buildings. The "safety net" also includes a database of key information about the missing person and 24/7 emergency caregiver email/phone support.
If you've heard of Project Lifesaver, the program used by police and sheriff departments in 45 states (but not all communities), you know this system. Lojack has bought one of two companies that supplied equipment to 10-year-old Project Lifesaver International. (The other is CareTrak.) They're funding an expansion of the equipment and training needed to run the program in more communities. Lojack is noteworthy because they're so big and effective at finding what's lost; they already work with 1,900 police departments to recover stolen vehicles, their original expertise, and in 30 countries.
To find it, start with your local law-enforcement office. In some communities Project Lifesaver is free; more typically, it costs $99 to enroll and $30 per month thereafter.
Aside from the cost -- and each caregiver has to weigh the cost of peace of mind for himself or herself -- I do see two downsides to these systems. Luckily, you can do something about each.
First, the pesky one: How do you get the person to go along with wearing a band on their wrist or ankle?
- Try explaining it as a medical ID bracelet.
- Start with the ankle, where it's less likely to be seen (and more quickly forgotten)
- Make sure it's a comfortable fit, not too tight to chafe.
- If the bracelet is a bust, some companies (not usually affiliated with local police) use GPS tracking hidden inside watches. The Alzheimer's Association's Medic Alert + Safe Return program offers a jewelry-style pendant. (It's for ID purposes only; there's no tracking involved as Safe Return is a community search network.)
And now the critical one: Do they give a false sense of security?
The dark side of security devices is that they can raise the user's sense of safety – to the point where they let down their guard. (That's why children's safety experts aren't so hot about water wings. Kids who can't swim still need supervision in the water.) Enrolling in a rescue system still means you need to safeguard against wandering in the first place.
- Keep an eye on a person who's a wandering risk 24/7. Hire neighborhood teens or a professional elder companions, or look into local respite programs, if you need extra coverage.
- Learn simple things you can do at home to prevent wandering.
- Don't think it can't happen to you.
Hi Shell Jersey Shore, Thanks for your question. Door alarms are one great way to go if they don't want to wear anything. I have also heard baby monitors in the bedroom at night. Here is a great article with a few more suggestions: ( http://www.caring.com/articles/alzheimers-how-to-handle-wandering ). I hope that helps! Take care -- Emily | Community Manager
What do you do when my mom wanders but refuses to wear anything attached to her neck, wrists or ankles? We have put motion alarms on the door knobs. Any suggestions from out there??? It would be appreciated
My Father has Alzheimer’s and episodes of wandering. Recently I coordinated a independent test of a new tracking technology by EM Finders Frisco Texas, www.emfinders.com In the event of a loss of my father the device allows my mother to find my father using the 911 emergency systems in combination with local law enforcement personnel. I typed my MN zip code into the coverage indicator on the home page and determined the wristband worked in my city. I was skeptical and shared the product info with my local police chief. At first he was unaware of the product but after review with the Scott County 911 center he determined the product should work as marketed. The chief and I came to an agreement. If my family would buy the device, the police chief agreed to run a live test in the 911 system to determine performance. The test was run on Jan. 10, 2011. It’s not every day a person is able to run a test in the real life 911 system so I decided to invite a group of credible witnesses to watch the test. This group included law enforcement personnel from two counties and one city; the President of a multi-facility elder care company who is also a board member on the MN Board of Aging; a second executive from another assisted living center; a State Patrol Officer who was also a board member of the MN Police and Peace Officer Association; A autism activist who has testified at the state and national level on behalf of autism children; a county EMS director; an independent attorney; and a reporter and photographer from the Minneapolis Star and Tribune. The group witnessed two tests. The first test was an activation of the device purchased by my family by the primary care giver according to the directions provided. The second was a controlled law enforcement test where the local chief directed an officer to go and hide at a location of the officer’s choice with a wristband in his possession. In test one, within 10 minutes the 911 dispatcher confirmed the location of my family’s device within 100 yards of its location. In the 2nd test, the 911 dispatcher was able to confirm the lost officer’s location within 20 minutes and again within 100 yards. In both instances the device locations appeared in computer mapping software in the 911 center. The maps were printed and presented to myself and the chief and were available immediately as the devices were located on the 911 computer screen. The EMS director stated there are additional 911 technology tools that will increase the 100 yard accuracy. It was my first intention to run the test without EM Finders personnel present. However, at the request of some of the witnesses it was suggested an EM Finders representative be present. I met the representative for the first time at the airport and stated this was not a sales call and he was present to watch and answer questions. The sales representative was asked ever imaginable question by the group and everyone was impressed with how well thought out this product is. The biggest obstacle is informing consumers and law enforcement of its existence. It truly can save lives here in unpredictable Minnesota.
I just came across your site and this sounds like a lovely group that I would like to be part of. Yes wandering off can be a very great concern and one that seems to be effectively addressed by this system you talk about. Thanks for the information.