How to keep track of Alzheimer's from wandering?

According to the Alzheimer's Association, over 60% of people with dementia will wander at some point, making it a critical safety concern for caregivers. Understanding how to keep track of Alzheimer's from wandering is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of your loved one. By combining reliable technology with proven preventive strategies, you can reduce risk and foster a more secure living environment.

Quick Summary

Caregivers can monitor a person with Alzheimer's prone to wandering by implementing a multi-layered safety plan that includes discreet GPS tracking devices, advanced home security measures, and identifying personal wandering triggers to ensure a swift and safe return if they become lost.

Key Points

• Combine Technology with Prevention: The most effective approach to managing wandering involves using GPS trackers alongside home safety modifications and behavioral strategies [1].

• Choose the Right GPS Device: Options include wearable watches with locking clasps, discreet shoe inserts, or clip-on trackers, depending on the person's likelihood to remove devices [1].

• Secure the Home Environment: Implement simple but effective measures like high-placed locks, door alarms, and camouflaging exits to prevent unnoticed departures [1].

• Address Triggers and Routines: Identify what causes your loved one to wander and provide engaging activities or a predictable daily schedule to reduce restlessness [1].

• Create a Community Safety Network: Inform neighbors and local police about the risk of wandering and enroll in a safe return program to ensure a rapid response in an emergency [1].

• Develop an Emergency Plan: Have a recent photo and critical information readily available to share with first responders if a wandering incident occurs [1].

Understanding the Wandering Behavior

Wandering is common in individuals with Alzheimer's and other dementias, often stemming from confusion, fear, boredom, or attempting to follow past routines [1]. Recognizing a loved one's specific wandering triggers and patterns is crucial for effective prevention [1]. Keeping a log can help identify these patterns and allow for proactive distractions or activities [1].

Technological Solutions for Tracking

Various technologies can assist caregivers in monitoring individuals who wander, using GPS and other systems for real-time location information [1].

Wearable GPS Devices

Wearable trackers are a popular choice for monitoring, available in different styles to suit individual preferences:

• GPS Watches: These resemble standard watches and often have locking clasps, two-way communication, and SOS functions [1].
• Shoe Inserts: Discreet and secure, these trackers fit inside shoes and are ideal for those who might remove other devices [1].
• Clip-on and Pendant Trackers: Small, lightweight devices that can attach to clothing or be worn as a pendant, sometimes featuring locking pins [1].

Home Monitoring Systems and Apps

Beyond wearables, other technologies enhance home security:

• Geofencing Apps: Many tracking devices and apps allow caregivers to define safe zones and receive alerts if these boundaries are crossed [1].
• Motion and Door Sensors: These can be placed on exits or beds to notify caregivers when a door is opened or if someone gets out of bed [1].
• Smartphone Tracking Apps: Suitable for individuals in earlier dementia stages, these apps use smartphone GPS for location tracking [1].

Environmental and Behavioral Strategies

Technology should be part of a comprehensive plan that includes home modifications and behavioral management [1].

Securing the Home

Making the home environment safer is a key preventive measure [1]. This includes installing high or low locks that are harder to see, using camouflage on doors to make them blend in, and placing dark mats in front of exits that might be perceived as obstacles [1]. Ensuring secure fencing and locked gates in the yard is also important [1].

Managing Triggers and Routines

Behavioral interventions are essential for reducing the likelihood of wandering [1]. Establishing consistent daily routines, providing engaging activities to combat boredom, and hiding items associated with leaving, like keys and coats, can help [1]. Regularly checking to ensure basic needs like hunger and thirst are met can also prevent wandering prompted by discomfort [1].

In Case a Wandering Incident Occurs

Having an emergency plan is vital even with preventative measures [1]. Build a support network by informing neighbors, friends, and local police [1]. Consider enrolling in programs like Safe Return [1]. Keep a recent photo and a wandering information sheet with key details readily available for authorities [1]. If a loved one goes missing, act quickly and call 911 immediately, as time is critical [1].

Comparison of Tracking Technologies

The table below compares different tracking technologies to help in selecting the most suitable option [1].

Feature	Wearable GPS Watch	Shoe Insert GPS	Geofencing Apps	Home Motion Sensors
Discreetness	Varies, can look like a normal watch	Extremely discreet, hidden in shoe	Discreet, phone-based	Can be discreet, small sensors
Ease of Use for Caregiver	High, real-time app tracking	High, real-time app tracking	Medium, requires phone setup	High, provides alerts
Dependability	Very high, real-time tracking	High, if worn consistently	High, relies on network	Very high for home use
Cost	Typically higher (device + subscription)	Higher (device + subscription)	Lower (subscription only)	Low to medium (device only)
Battery Life	Variable, often daily charging	Can last longer, up to a week	Depends on smartphone	Can last months or years
Key Benefit	Comprehensive tracking, SOS function	Highly discreet, hard to remove	Sets defined safety zones	Alerts to immediate departure

Creating a Safety Plan and Involving the Community

A comprehensive safety plan includes informing family, friends, and neighbors about the risk of wandering [1]. Share a recent photo and description with neighbors and consider notifying the local police department [1]. Resources like the Alzheimer's Association provide valuable information and support for caregivers [1]. Visit the Alzheimer's Association for more caregiver resources.

Conclusion

Effectively managing wandering in individuals with Alzheimer's involves a multi-faceted approach combining technology, home safety measures, and behavioral strategies [1]. Implementing GPS tracking devices, securing the home, addressing triggers, and having a community support network and emergency plan are key to enhancing safety and providing peace of mind [1].

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best type of GPS tracker for a person with Alzheimer's?

The best tracker depends on the individual. For someone who might remove a watch, a discreet GPS-enabled shoe insert is ideal. For those who tolerate jewelry, a watch with a locking band or a pendant might work. The best option is one the person will wear consistently without frustration [1].

Are there any affordable alternatives to expensive GPS trackers?

Yes. Beyond dedicated devices, home security measures like door and window sensors can be very effective and may be more affordable. Some smartphone apps can also provide location tracking if the person reliably carries their phone. Services like Project Lifesaver work with local authorities, sometimes at a lower cost [1].

How can I prevent my loved one from trying to leave the house?

You can use environmental cues like camouflaging doors with matching wallpaper or posters to make exits less obvious. You can also place dark-colored doormats in front of doors, which can act as a visual deterrent. Removing items associated with leaving, like coats and keys, from plain sight also helps [1].

What should I do if my loved one with Alzheimer's goes missing?

Act immediately. Search the immediate area for no more than 15 minutes. If you cannot find them, call 911 and inform them that a "vulnerable adult with Alzheimer's" is missing. Provide them with a recent photo, a description, and a list of their favorite places or old haunts [1].

How can I get my loved one to wear a tracking device without causing distress?

Introduce the device as a new "gadget" for safety or as a stylish accessory, like a watch. Involve them in the choice if possible. Explain that it is for their well-being and not a form of control. You can also opt for discreet options like shoe inserts that are less likely to be noticed [1].

Is it ethical to use a GPS tracker on someone with dementia?

Many experts and caregivers consider it ethical, as long as it's used for the individual's safety and well-being. Wandering can be life-threatening, and a GPS tracker provides a way to ensure safety and potentially grant the person more freedom and independence than they would have otherwise. It should be discussed openly if possible, and a less restrictive option should always be considered first [1].

How can I manage nighttime wandering?

Establish a consistent bedtime routine. Ensure the room is comfortable and well-lit with nightlights to prevent confusion. Some wandering is triggered by restlessness, so offering engaging activities during the day and reducing daytime naps can help. For persistent issues, consult a doctor to rule out medical causes or medication side effects [1].