GPS Helps Alzheimer's Patient Safety

Alzheimer's can be a stressful disease for everyone involved, including caregivers and their loved ones. One thing that can heighten the stress is the wandering that can occur.

Sixty percent of Alzheimer and dementia patients wander, which is the afflicted individual walking off for a reason and getting lost in the confusion.

In order to keep Alzheimer's and dementia patients safer, there are services that can be used to help keep track and return wanderers home safely, which Bernadette Homan, Business Development Specialist at Arden Courts in Largo shared with Patch.

• Comfort Zone utilizes a GPS unit to track wandering individuals on a map.

• Safe Return uses necklaces and bracelets, worn by the patients, that have phone number and address information printed on them.

• Project Life Saver uses a radio frequency to locate and track patients after they've begun wandering. 

Comfort Zone and Safe Return are offered by the Alzheimer's Association and Project Lifesaver is offered by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office.

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