Alzheimer’s disease, a common form of dementia, affects a person’s cognitive abilities. Adults with Alzheimer’s become increasingly disoriented, forgetful, and confused. Oftentimes, these symptoms cause dangerous behaviors—including wandering. This can place a great deal of stress on caregivers.

GPS tracking bracelets can help protect seniors who are at risk for wandering and give their caregivers much-needed peace of mind.

4 Ways GPS Bracelets Can Keep Seniors with Alzheimer’s Safe

1.  Allows them to be found quickly

When a person with Alzheimer’s wanders, every second counts. The longer they are missing, the higher their risk for injury. GPS devices can keep loved ones safe by allowing their caregivers to pinpoint their location quickly. This can be lifesaving, especially if they get injured and require medical attention.

2.  Prevents them from wandering

Not only can GPS bracelets help dementia caregivers find their loved ones, but they can also help prevent seniors from leaving in the first place. Many GPS bracelets allow you to set a designated safe zone. When a loved one exits the safe area, their caregivers are notified. This can be particularly helpful at nighttime when straying tends to increase. Caregivers can receive notifications when seniors leave the house or even their bedroom. This feature can allow caregivers to react before their loved ones travel too far.

3.  Allows seniors to maintain their independence

In the earlier stages of Alzheimer’s disease, it may be unnecessary and unfair to put a dementia patient under constant supervision. GPS bracelets can help seniors maintain their independence while also giving loved ones a tool for locating them should the older adult become lost.

It’s important to know that if a senior with dementia wanders once, it increases the odds the will do so again.

4.  Gives dementia caregivers peace of mind

One of the most significant benefits GPS bracelets provide to caregivers is peace of mind. Caring for another person comes with many physical and mental challenges. Worrying about whether a loved one is safe can be overwhelming.

GPS bracelets can offer relief by allowing caregivers to track their loved one’s location, many devices doing so in real time. Some even pick up on unusual activities like pacing, lack of movement for an extended period, or being in an unfamiliar environment.

When Preventing Wandering Isn’t Possible

Preventing seniors with dementia from wandering isn’t always possible. With the use of technology, like GPS tracking bracelets, caregivers can increase the likelihood that the older adult with be found and returned home quickly and safely.

Memory Care for Senior Safety

If wandering is a concern for you and your family, you may want to explore assisted living. Many communities have memory care programs designed to deter wandering and keep seniors with dementia safe. Contact us today at 800-304-8061. Our senior care advisors can help you locate a memory care community that meets your loved one’s needs.

Photo by Treddy Chen on Unsplash