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By Greg Bartlett

Caring for mentally disabled patients presents a host of difficulties, not the least of which is what to do when a patient becomes disoriented or lost. Problems such as these present themselves often for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients who may start walking somewhere and along the way forget where they are going, where they are, and how to get back home. Families and care facilities alike need a reliable way to keep track of these patients for their own protection and it is for this reason that many are turning to GPS tracking.

GPS tracking allows a family member or health care worker to monitor the location of a patient at all times. A transmitter placed on the person’s clothing, in a watch, or even inside a shoe sends a signal to a computer or receiving device detailing the wearer’s movements in real time or over the course of the day. Patients who are likely to remove unfamiliar items may need a concealable device which they cannot easily remove. Not only can movements be monitored, but some devices allow the user to set a perimeter boundary. If the perimeter is crossed, an alert is sent to a computer or cell phone.

Safety is of paramount importance for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. Many instances have been noted in which a patient has become lost and unquestioningly entered the vehicle or home of a stranger. While many people are willing to help return the person home in these situations, the sad truth remains that predators abound to take advantage of the situation as well. The quicker a caregiver can locate the patient, the less likely he or she is to become a victim.

It is never easy to watch a loved one’s mental capacities diminish. A beloved father who was known for his humor and quick wit may have trouble remembering his grandchildren’s names or where he lives. He may seem lucid one day and disoriented the next. Moment to moment changes present a host of concerns for family and friends. GPS tracking, however, can provide peace of mind by ensuring that he doesn’t fall prey to accident or wander for hours trying to find his way home. Some devices have an alert button that the patient can press if he feels disoriented or needs help. In this way, he need never feel unable to call for assistance, even if he’s wandered away from familiar territory.

Nothing can erase the pain that accompanies a loved one’s mental decline, but GPS tracking can assist by ensuring day to day peace of mind. Family members can enjoy the time they have with an aging parent or grandparent while resting in the knowledge that they’ve done everything they can to ensure safety and security.