GPS tracking devices enable caregivers to keep an eye on their loved one even when they wander off. Packed with health tools in one wearable device, a GPS tracker reduces confusion and stress for caregivers while saving them both time.
AngelSense also provides fall detection as an added layer of protection, and fits discreetly within clothing for use.
1. Keep an Eye on the Environment
People living with dementia are susceptible to experiencing decreased balance and reaction time, increasing their risk of injury when moving around the home or outside in areas containing sharp objects like cabinets or drawers; tools, chemicals, poisonous plants or cleaning supplies might be present; review their environment regularly to identify any hazards; lock your front door frequently or install an app (Theora Connect or AngelSense) which enables family and caregivers to monitor movements can also help prevent wandering - which is a common trait among dementia patients.
wandersearch When visiting someone with Alzheimer's, always introduce yourself and avoid talking down to them or treating them like children, which could cause unnecessary anxiety and confusion. Also avoid speaking like you know what's best. This helps avoid stress and embarrassment for both of you!
2. Make Sure They Have a Safe Place to Go
Some individuals with dementia may wander or leave their home, possibly due to fears of becoming lost, old routines becoming repetitive or restlessness at night. Therefore it is vital that they have somewhere safe they can go in case of becoming disoriented; check whether their door alarm/chime works and check smoke detectors as soon as you can; they should also have identification with emergency contact details saved on their phone or MedicAlert bracelet in case something unexpected should arise that requires their presence.
If you are watching your dementia patient watch a movie, select one without an intricate plot and that is short in duration. Dementia patients have limited attention spans and will quickly lose interest if a film lasts over two hours long; something like Top Gun offers an easy story line they can follow without difficulty. Also avoid movies which might disturb them emotionally by showing movies such as Black Swan.
3. Keep an Eye on Their Activities
At the later stages of dementia, an individual may not recognize familiar people and places and can become distressed and disoriented. Caregivers can help reduce agitation by offering verbal and physical expressions of affection and reassurance to reduce anxiety.
Many individuals living with dementia tend to wander, which could be the result of boredom, medication side effects, old routines being interrupted, hunger or thirst being unfulfilled or simply physical restlessness. Try to identify what triggers this restlessness for your loved one before working to reduce its cause.
When someone is restless, you can try distracting them with music or calming activities such as coloring. A GPS tracker such as AngelSense's Runner Mode may also come in handy to connect family and home-helpers to their loved one if they get lost in their community; this feature makes forming search parties much simpler; additionally it may keep dementia patients safer when encountering dangerous situations like crossing busy streets.
4. Monitor Their Health
Caring for someone living with dementia is both rewarding and demanding, which is why monitoring their health is essential to helping ensure they remain safe and healthy as long as possible.
People living with dementia often have irregular sleeping patterns that leave them tired during the day and restless at night. To help alleviate this, refrain from allowing them to nap after lunchtime and encourage them to get enough restful restful restful restful restful restful sleep throughout their nightly cycles.
Hallucinations and delusions can be common symptoms for those living with dementia. If this becomes worsened or develops into something serious, please notify their healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Modern monitoring technologies can alert family caregivers when someone living with dementia is in danger, even when they cannot articulate it themselves. One such device, available through Chapters Health's MGMini necklace/watch device, uses GPS technology to notify family caregivers when the individual wanders outside their home and needs caretaking assistance.