Discover the key benefits of GPS medical alerts for dementia care. Ensure safety with real-time tracking and emergency response.
Key Benefits of GPS Medical Alert for Dementia Care
Dementia, which is the progressive loss of cognitive functioning, remains a great challenge not only for the affected person but also for the caregivers. Among the most concerning symptoms is wandering, in which the person gets confused and loses their way
Not only this but they also get to depart from home or care centers and expose themselves to danger. Within the past few decades, the development of GPS medical alert systems has proved to be critical in mitigating such risks by offering multiple features such as location tracking, fall detection, etc.
People who live abroad, especially those fending for family members with dementia, can benefit the most from GPS systems. This article discusses the various uses of medical alert technology in caring for dementia patients.
Challenges of Dementia and Wandering
As dementia progresses, many people have trouble remembering and even recognizing themselves. Wandering, which is common and potentially dangerous, may arise due to these disorientations. Below are a few consequences of walking that may increase in patients suffering from dementia. Let’s have a look at them;
Wandering
Individuals with dementia have a high risk of losing their way due to the decline in cognitive abilities. Hence, making them wander for longer durations and finding it difficult to return home.
Exposure to hazards
Wandering around after losing your way can result in exposure to hazards such as accidents, encounters with wild animals, and other risky situations.
Increased anxiety and stress
People suffering from dementia have higher anxiety and stress levels. Not only themselves but also their caregivers suffer extreme anxiety.
How the Use of GPS Systems Outsmart These Barriers
More so, GPS tracking systems use global positioning system technology to track where a person is located. Most of these systems comprise a GPS-equipped device fitted on a person’s body, for instance, a wristwatch, a pendant, or a clip, which sends location information to a monitoring station or a caregiver’s telephone.
Medical alert systems with GPS are one of a kind and extremely important in dementia care in a range of different aspects.
Real-Time Tracking
The GPS medical alert system’s core function is to keep track of a person’s movements throughout the day. Whenever a dementia patient goes out of sight, their caregivers can trace their location through a mobile app in seconds. This means that action can be taken quickly, reducing the time taken to reach the wearer. This facility of immediate response aids in averting situations that could be dangerous otherwise.
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Defining Geo-fencing and Safe Zones
Most of the best GPS medical alert system allows the user to set up safe zones or geofences. These are virtual borders placed on a map. If the person wearing the device leaves any of the designated safe areas, whether within or outside the home, the device instantly sends alerts.
The alert is immediately sent to caregivers or the monitoring center to take necessary steps to cater. Hence, these features significantly reduce the risk of getting lost.
Alleviation of Stress and Anxiety for the Caregivers
It can be exceptionally gruelling for caregivers to constantly track or call to check the locations of their older adults, especially the ones with dementia. This is where the GPS medical alert system checks in.
Being tech-savvy, these devices assist in real-time tracking on the go and even when the wearer de-tracks from their route. Hence, they know that their adults can be wherever they want and they would be able to find them in a matter of seconds. Ultimately, reducing the stress and anxiety for both caregivers and wearers.
Encouraging Self-reliance
Ensuring the safety of an individual is primary but not at the cost of their quality of life or independence. A GPS medical alert device enables every wearer whether with Alzheimer’s or dementia to be more self-sufficient and active, as they would be reassured that help is always on button press away. This can enhance self-appreciation and overall mental health.
Aiding in Solution Towards Problem
Some specialized GPS medical alert systems also help in activity tracking and storing telemetry of previous locations. Such information can be useful in understanding the individual’s habits, for instance when he is more likely to wander off or what places he goes most. It helps in integrating new care plans for patients.
Integration with Emergency Services
The medical alert system with GPS can be linked with emergency services in some extreme scenarios. A monitoring center directly informs medicare service providers to track missing persons. This allows for fast and efficient rescue.
Choosing the Right GPS Alert System
Factors to consider when selecting GPS medical alert systems, particularly for usage by dementia patients include the following:
Device form
Emergency response systems, more specifically GPS devices come in various portable options such as a pendant, keychain, or small pocket-friendly device. You can choose the system based on your mobility and ease of carrying.
Reliability of GPS
In selecting a GPS alert system, make sure that is reliable in terms of outdoor friendliness, water resistance, and coverage. Furthermore, the devices should be per the requirements of the people with dementia.
Battery lifespan
As with many other devices, it’s important to take note of the device’s battery lifespan and how often it needs to be charged.
Alerting capabilities
Look for geo fencing, emergency alerts, and two-way communication features.
Monitoring options
Ascertain if you would like to carry out self-monitoring utilizing a mobile device app or use professional monitoring services through a call center.
Cost
Examine system costs such as device prices, monthly rates, and monitoring payments.
To Sum Up
People suffering from dementia face mostly the challenge of wandering and their caregivers stay worried when this happens. GPS medical alert technology is an advanced and tech-driven solution for these challenges. They come with several features including but not limited to real-time location tracking, instant SOS alerts, two-way communication, and medical information storage.
The overall benefit is easing the worries of caregivers and improving a person’s life, especially if they have dementia. Thus the GPS medical alert systems will be a blessing for dementia patients and caregivers alike.
Why Choose MedAlert Care For Dementia Care?
Medalertcare.com provides affordable, reliable, and automated options for dealing with dementia, especially a GPS medical alert. In case patients get lost they can be quickly found and helped, Hence this system provides comfort for the families and caregivers. Considering a continuous emergency response, MedAlert Care brings extra safety and security to people suffering from dementia.
FAQ's
A GPS medical alert system employs geographical information systems to track an individual’s movements and geographical location. GPS tracking devices can alert caregivers whenever the patient wanders outside.
Look for a device with GPS technology, geo-fencing, a long-lasting battery, an easily accessible emergency button, and two-way communication.
Yes, these systems help to reduce the anxiety that caregivers have regarding their patient’s whereabouts and assist dementia patients in doing tasks on their own while ensuring they are safe.
