How to Keep Track of People with Dementia: Methods and Technology

An estimated 6 in 10 people with Alzheimer's disease are at risk of wandering, a behavior that can be frightening for both the individual and their caregiver. Understanding how to keep track of people with dementia is crucial for ensuring their safety while promoting a sense of dignity and independence.

Quick Summary

This guide provides caregivers with proactive strategies for monitoring and locating individuals with dementia, covering identification methods, home safety modifications, and the latest GPS tracking technology.

Key Points

• Combine strategies for maximum safety: Integrate low-tech methods like ID bracelets with high-tech solutions like GPS trackers for a comprehensive approach to monitoring.

• Secure the immediate environment: Modify the home with door alarms, high/low locks, and obscured exits to prevent unsupervised departures.

• Use unobtrusive GPS trackers: Utilize wearable GPS devices, such as watches, pendants, or shoe inserts, to non-invasively monitor a person's location in real-time.

• Engage in consistent routines: A predictable daily schedule with engaging activities can reduce anxiety and the restlessness that often leads to wandering.

• Involve the local community: Alert neighbors, friends, and local police about the person's condition and tendencies to ensure everyone is prepared for a potential wandering incident.

• Act quickly if wandering occurs: In the event of a wandering incident, immediately search the immediate area and call 911 if the person is not found within 15 minutes.

Wandering is a common and potentially dangerous behavior among people with dementia, often stemming from confusion, restlessness, or a search for something familiar. A comprehensive approach that combines practical strategies with modern technology can provide peace of mind for caregivers and enhance the safety of their loved one.

Low-Tech Identification and Communication

Simple, non-intrusive methods are often the first line of defense in managing wandering behavior and preparing for a potential incident. These strategies focus on ensuring the person can be identified and returned safely if they become lost.

• Medical ID bracelets and jewelry: The person with dementia should wear a medical identification bracelet or necklace at all times. This jewelry should clearly state their diagnosis (e.g., "memory loss") and provide an emergency contact number. For individuals who frequently remove jewelry, sew ID labels directly into their clothing.
• Emergency contact cards: Create laminated cards with the individual’s name, diagnosis, emergency contact information, and a recent photo. Keep a copy in their wallet, purse, and on their person. Have a recent, close-up photo readily available in case you need to report them missing to the police.
• Neighbor awareness: Inform close neighbors, friends, and local businesses that your loved one has dementia and may wander. Share a photo and ask them to call you immediately if they see the person alone and seem confused. Provide them with your phone number for emergencies.
• Community programs: Many communities and law enforcement agencies offer programs for registering individuals with dementia who are at risk of wandering. Organizations like the Alzheimer's Association have services like MedicAlert's Safe Return program that provide a 24/7 hotline for caregivers.

Home Safety and Environmental Modifications

Creating a secure and calming home environment is a proactive way to reduce the likelihood of wandering. Simple adjustments to the living space can make a significant difference in preventing exit-seeking behavior.

• Install door alarms and locks: Door alarms, pressure-sensitive floor mats, and window sensors can alert caregivers when an exit has been opened. For locks, consider deadbolts that require a key and place them high or low on the door, as people with dementia may not think to look outside their typical eye level.
• Obscure and camouflage exits: In some cases, obscuring a doorway can deter a person from trying to leave. This can be done by hanging curtains, using a mural that looks like a bookshelf, or painting the door to match the surrounding wall. Placing a black mat in front of a doorway can also work, as some individuals with dementia perceive dark areas as impassable holes.
• Remove triggers: Keep items that may trigger a desire to leave out of sight. This includes car keys, coats, purses, and shoes. Hiding these items can prevent an impulsive exit.
• Maintain a consistent routine: A predictable daily routine can reduce restlessness and confusion. Keep the person mentally and physically engaged with activities during the day, as boredom can sometimes trigger wandering behavior.

Modern Technology and Devices

For many families, technology offers the most reliable way to monitor a loved one's whereabouts in real-time, providing an extra layer of security.

Comparison of Dementia Tracking Devices

Feature	Wearable GPS Watch/Pendant	GPS SmartSole	Standalone Tracker	Smart Home Sensors
Form Factor	Looks like a standard watch or pendant.	Hidden inside a shoe insert.	Small, discreet unit carried in a pocket or on a keychain.	Installed in various locations around the home.
Functionality	Real-time location tracking, SOS button, two-way audio.	Location tracking, customizable geo-fences.	Real-time location tracking, boundary alerts, movement alerts.	Motion detection, door/window open alerts, bed occupancy sensors.
Discreetness	Varies; some are designed to look like normal jewelry.	Very high, as it is completely concealed.	Moderate; depends on how it is carried.	Very high; sensors are typically unnoticeable.
User Compliance	Requires the person to wear it consistently.	High compliance, as the person needs to wear shoes.	Medium; can be lost or forgotten if not carried at all times.	N/A; passive monitoring.
Ideal For	Active individuals who may still go out.	Those who resist wearing jewelry or watches.	Individuals who can reliably carry an item.	Monitoring movement within the home, especially at night.
Key Benefit	Combination of tracking and communication.	Completely hidden, non-intrusive.	Versatile, can be attached to various items.	Provides insight into in-home activity patterns.

• GPS trackers: These devices come in various forms, such as wearable watches, pendants, or shoe inserts like the GPS SmartSole. They use GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular signals to provide accurate location data. Many include features like geo-fencing, which sends an alert to the caregiver's phone if the person leaves a predetermined safe zone.
• Monitoring systems and sensors: For in-home safety, caregivers can install motion sensors, door/window alarms, and bed occupancy sensors. These systems can alert a caregiver in another room or via a smartphone app when the person is on the move, especially during the night. Smart home devices offer a high degree of discreetness and can be used to track routine changes.
• Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS): These medical alert systems often feature GPS tracking and an SOS button that connects directly to a monitoring center or an emergency contact. Many are waterproof and can also include fall detection, which is crucial for overall safety.

Conclusion

Keeping track of someone with dementia requires a proactive and multi-layered approach that addresses both prevention and intervention. By combining low-tech identification methods, strategic home modifications, and reliable tracking technology, caregivers can significantly enhance the safety and well-being of their loved ones. Ultimately, the best method depends on the individual's specific needs, stage of dementia, and willingness to cooperate. It's essential to find a balance that provides safety without compromising dignity and independence. For additional resources and support, caregivers can consult with a healthcare provider or a local Alzheimer's Association chapter.

What to Do If Your Loved One Wanders

Despite preventative measures, wandering can still occur. If it does, taking swift action is critical.

1. Search the immediate area: Conduct a quick search of the home and surrounding yard. Most wanderers are found nearby, so start by checking places they might be hiding or have fallen, such as sheds, basements, or thick bushes.
2. Call 911 immediately: If the person is not found within 15 minutes, notify the police immediately. The faster you act, the higher the chance of a safe return. Inform them that the person has dementia and wandering tendencies.
3. Use a phone tree: Activate a pre-arranged phone tree to alert friends, family, and neighbors to help with the search.
4. Use GPS tracking: If the person is wearing a GPS device, use the app to track their location and relay the information to authorities.
5. Utilize community resources: Inform local law enforcement that your loved one has a tendency to wander. Some states have systems like a "Silver Alert" to help locate missing adults with cognitive impairments.

Further Reading

For more information on supporting individuals with dementia and coping with behavioral changes, the Alzheimer's Association offers extensive resources and educational materials. Alzheimer's Association

Key Takeaways

• Identify Underlying Causes: Address restlessness by meeting basic needs like food, drink, and toileting, and maintaining a regular routine.
• Utilize Low-Tech Solutions: Ensure medical ID bracelets with emergency contact information are worn at all times and inform neighbors about the person’s condition.
• Secure the Home Environment: Use door alarms, install hard-to-reach locks, and remove items that could trigger an impulse to leave, such as keys and coats.
• Leverage Modern Technology: Consider wearable GPS trackers (watches, shoe inserts), discreet home sensors, and Personal Emergency Response Systems to monitor location and activity.
• Create a Plan for Emergencies: Have a recent photo and a plan in place with family, friends, and local police in case wandering occurs, and act quickly if it does.
• Ensure Proper Supervision: Never leave a person with dementia alone and unsupervised, especially if they are at risk of wandering.
• Explore Professional Care: If wandering becomes a persistent risk, consider the safety and support provided by a memory care community.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best methods for tracking a person with dementia?

The best methods combine low-tech identification like medical ID bracelets with high-tech GPS tracking devices. For in-home monitoring, motion sensors and door alarms are effective, while a wearable GPS watch or hidden shoe insert is ideal for outside the home.

How can I prevent a person with dementia from wandering away?

To prevent wandering, create a predictable daily routine, install hard-to-reach locks and door alarms, hide items that trigger the impulse to leave (like car keys), and obscure exits with camouflage techniques, like murals or black floor mats.

What is a GPS SmartSole for dementia patients?

The GPS SmartSole is a discreet tracking device sealed within a shoe insert. It allows caregivers to monitor the person's location via a mobile app, which is particularly useful for individuals who resist wearing watches or other visible trackers.

What should I do immediately if a person with dementia goes missing?

If a person with dementia is missing, immediately search the immediate vicinity. If they are not found within 15 minutes, call 911 and inform the police that they have dementia. If they have a GPS device, use it to track their location and provide this information to law enforcement.

Can I use smart home devices to track a person with dementia?

Yes, smart home devices like motion sensors and door/window alarms can be used to monitor a person's activity within the home. These can alert you to movement, especially at night, and provide insights into their routine.

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

The ethical use of a GPS tracker is a complex issue. Most experts suggest discussing the need for a tracker with the individual and their family as early as possible. When used with consent, a tracker is considered a safety measure that can help a person retain a sense of independence.

What are some low-cost tracking alternatives for dementia?

Low-cost alternatives include medical ID bracelets, emergency contact cards, and informing a network of neighbors and local businesses. Simple identification and community awareness can be very effective in the early stages.