As many of us know, when you are responsible for the well being of an individual with dementia, your biggest on-going concern is if they wander without you realising, and find themselves in danger.
NEARLY 60% OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DEMENTIA WILL ADOPT WANDERING BEHAVIOUR AT SOME POINT
GPS TRACKERS FOR DEMENTIA
In the last few years, Trackershop has seen a substantial increase in the number of families and care homes now using our dementia trackers .
Improved accuracy and smaller technology combined with much more affordable pricing mean that GPS trackers are now a common and vital tool to help further protect vulnerable loved ones.
It's incredible to hear the amazing stories from our customers, about how their GPS tracker had allowed them to locate their relatives in some rather horrific situations!
The dangers avoided for so many by simply carrying a tracking device is hard to believe at times, and it's quite scary to consider what could have happened if a tracker wasn't being carried on these occasions.
It's incredible to know what a positive impact our dementia GPS trackers have had on so many families already.
CREATING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
As there are varying levels of dementia, full-time care is not always preferred or even necessary.
However, no matter the stage or circumstance, the priority for the individual is always safety.
Wandering behaviour can occur through any level of dementia, and it may only take one incident for someone to find him or herself in real danger.
To the one looking on, there may be no pattern or regularity to wandering behaviour. The fact that it can happen at any time makes it all the more dangerous.
Wandering might start with the individual leaving the home through a state of confusion, and/or having the urge to head to a location they are fixated on.
They can also become disorientated whilst they are away from the home- for example, whilst out shopping, whilst on public transport or in many cases, on holiday.
In such a situation (a busy street/shopping centre, or on fast-moving transport) they may become even more disorientated with no recollection of why they are there or where they are going. This makes it even more important for you to be able to locate them in the quickest possible instance.
AS WELL AS YOUR DEMENTIA TRACKER, HERE ARE SOME MORE TIPS TO HELP WITH WANDERING
- SECURE YOUR HOME
There is no single thing that can be done to totally secure your property against wandering, as each circumstance is unique.
For many individuals, they can still continue their normal routine and activities for 90% of the time.
In addition, as is the case for many carers, you may not be living with the individual you are caring for so cannot offer a 24-hour presence.
However, there are a few precautions to help increase safety in the home.
- Install additional fencing. For idle wanderers, just having a slightly reinforced perimeter can act as a deterrent to wandering. However, if an individual is adamant about leaving they will still be able to do so.
- With later stages of dementia, extra locks on your doors and windows may be a necessity.
- You can also use signs throughout the home. Labelling each room can help them manoeuvre around the home. Many wandering instances are a result of confusion and distress of not recognising their surroundings or being able to find what they are looking for.
- ENSURE THE INDIVIDUAL CARRIES ID
Having some form of ID with their name, address and ideally, a contact number is certainly recommended. Although it will not prevent the actual act of wandering it will mean that if they are disorientated and a stranger finds them, they will be able to take the appropriate action to help get you reunited.
A driver's licence will cover most of this information, and perhaps a business style card with your details and a brief explanation of the individual_x005F_x0092_s condition can be placed in their wallet, purse or pocket.
- KNOW YOUR COMMUNITY
Like all of these points, it is absolutely at your discretion as to what action you feel is appropriate and to whom you mention a person's condition to. Your relative may not want others to know about their condition and may find it distressing to be thought of as someone needing additional help.
However, if you are close to your neighbours and know your local shopkeepers, giving them a heads up could be vital in raising an early alarm if your relative is seen wandering in the community.
If all parties are happy to do so, giving them your phone number means they can contact you directly in case of an emergency.
Again, no single action will ensure complete safety and each situation is unique to the individual and their family.
Therefore, doing what you feel is best for your own circumstance is key.
With all of this in mind, from experience and through interaction with customers, we are convinced that dementia trackers have become the most vital tool in further ensuring the safety of an individual who wanders.
Not only can you see exactly where they are in an emergency, but you can also set up safety zones so that you receive an instant message when they leave/enter an area.
In addition, we provide Dementia trackers to cater to individuals situations, with ones that can be concealed discreetly, worn on a keyring and even built into a shoe sole!
A GPS tracker for dementia means that you will be able to take action instantly, opposed to potentially not being aware for several critical hours.
