Resources for Caregivers - Alzheimer's

In my never ending effort to provide noteworty information for families and caregivers, I found this recent article in The New York Times. It provides resources on new advancements in technology to help caregivers keep their wandering loved ones at home. With the incidence of Alzheimer's growing at such a rapid pace, these devices or techniques may become extremely commonplace.

Resources and Technology to Help Caregivers Cope
By KIRK JOHNSON
Published: May 4, 2010


One Alzheimer’s wanderer in Arizona had lost much of his memory, but not, apparently, his interest in fashion: he never left the house without a beloved baseball cap on his head. So a trick the family used to keep the man around was to hide his caps.

Search-and-rescue experts who deal with dementia patients also recommend alarms on doors that sound when opened if a proper code is not entered, along with posters or wallpaper images that disguise or conceal doors. Sometimes a simple large, emphatic sign on every door saying “Stop!” will deter a wanderer.

Companies that make GPS devices are also starting to enter the growing Alzheimer’s market with products that look like wristwatches, and even shoes with GPS monitors embedded in the heels.

One company’s offering is at questguard.com/GPS-for-Alzheimers-Wandering_.html
A second is at brickhousesecurity.com/medicalalertbracelet-alzheimersdementiacare.html.
And a third is gpsshoe.com.

Lower on the technology scale, but widespread in its use around the nation, is radio frequency tracking. A nonprofit organization, Project Lifesaver, equips Alzheimer’s sufferers with wristbands. The group contracts with local government agencies to set up the service. To see if your community participates, contact the local sheriff, or the police or fire department.

Finally, the Alzheimer’s Association, a nonprofit group for victims and their families, has established a 24-hour emergency response line in conjunction with local law enforcement, along with an ID bracelet program that identifies the Alzheimer’s patient — something he or she may no longer be able to do.
KIRK JOHNSON

I hope that you find this information useful. Many of our caregivers have years of experience in caring for people with advanced dementia. We also provide training for all caregivers on assisting patients with Alzheimer's and memory loss. Please call our office at 214-389-9401 to ask for help caring for a loved one and visit our website at www.hereforyouhomecare.com to learn more.

Thanks for reading. See you next week,
Jan