When it comes to being an effective caregiver for your aging parent, technology is invaluable. This is especially true when it comes to caring for an aging parent who is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. For these seniors, the changes that come with the progression of their disease can be rapid and it is essential that you are ready to manage them as they arise.

One of the most pressing symptoms that can come with Alzheimer’s disease is wandering. Six in ten adults who have Alzheimer’s disease will develop wandering tendencies at some point in their disease. This means that 60 percent of those with this condition are at risk of getting disoriented and lost, putting them in serious danger. Taking advantage of available technology can help you to feel more secure caring for your aging parent and knowing that you can curb wandering tendencies, or at least manage the episodes when they arise.

Some of the most effective technology available for caregivers of seniors who are dealing with wandering tendencies include:

• Wearable GPS. If your parent wanders and gets lost, time is of the essence. You need to be able to find that parent as quickly as possible to minimize the risk of serious injury or death. A wearable GPS device enables you to locate your parent based on satellite information, narrowing down your search considerably. Consider GPS-enabled shoes. These are unobtrusive and do not require your parent to carry anything.
• Emergency help buttons. Wandering tendencies do not only occur in seniors who are far into their progression with the disease. In fact, people in the early to early-moderate stages can also develop these tendencies. They may think that they are going somewhere specific or leave with a particular goal, only to get disoriented and lost. In many cases these seniors are aware that they are lost and capable of seeking help. An emergency help button can be worn as a necklace or on a bracelet and enables your parent to reach out to emergency personnel. The responders can then use GPS to find your parent.
• Cameras. If your loved one does not have care with them at all times, having cameras throughout their home allows you to check in on them regularly. These cameras can be equipped with two-way audio so that you can communicate with your loved one if you notice that they are trying to leave the home.

Though not technology, one of the greatest resources that you can have when caring for an aging parent with Alzheimer’s disease is a home care provider. Being available and alert to care for and monitor your parent at all times is simply not practical or possible, but an in home care services provider can step in to fill care gaps and offer dedicated, personalized care and support to your loved one throughout their progression. This means that you can feel confident your loved one is safe even if you are not able to be in the home with them.

Sources:

http://www.webmd.com/brain/10-ways-to-prevent-wandering

https://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-wandering.asp