Study notes critical gaps in care and services that must be addressed to meet the growing demands of the aging population in the U.S.
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It's disappointing: tech to prevent wandering in independent or assisted living
Tracking people when they're gone - or noticing before they've left? I spent the weekend researching various technology offerings that might prevent an 87-year-old able-bodied person with dementia from wandering beyond a specified area in independent or assisted living campuses. I've looked into it -- and I have to say, I am disappointed -- the hype exceeds at least my research reality.That GPS shoe hyped in the press? I just called Foot.com -- it will be out now in the Spring, 2011. Geo-fencing devices like SentryGPS, Alzguard -- require placing a device in the pocket that is easily discarded into the trash by a wandering senior. LoJack, EmFinders, The Alzheimer's ComfortZone, etc. all help find a person who is already lost -- and require involvement of local police departments. And based on Internet searching of the 'geo-fencing' ideas, the websites and references indicate to me that they aren't that widely deployed.
Requiring total facility commitment or just enough for a person or two? In the around-forever category, there are a number of facility-oriented systems (search for WanderGuard and you'll find them) that I view as heavy-weight -- requiring electricians and resetting keypads, sending audible or beaming alarms, and in general advertising that this is a 'locked down' premise, something that independent living and assisted living communities do not wish to admit (unless they have a dementia unit on site that can be presented as a viable upgrade option.) Even the sensor-based systems installed on an apartment alert are based on exit from a resident's unit -- not a zone-based approach that works for a campus or yard area and that can be associated with one individual.
So offer up a few good options -- a watch or attractive bracelet that works. What I envision -- a working watch or other easily worn and not so easily noticed form factor that cannot be easily pulled off. I want one that alerts when it is removed, but that alert is easily reset when a person is accompanied out the door by a staff or family member. After looking at the various geo-fencing alternatives, I want the ability to design and adjust the zone easily, even online. And I want the ability to alert in multiple mediums, notifying several pre-identified people at once -- a caregiver, staff, or family. In contacting several senior housing executives, this lighter-weight strategy does not seem to be widely deployed.
But acknowledging that searching online for information may not be the best approach, let's ask. If you, a person or an organization you know well are using such a technology, please comment on this post or send e-mail to laurie@ageinplacetech.com.
Comments
a watch or attractive bracelet that works
Might want to take a look at iMonsys
http://www.telecareaware.com/index.php/innovative-imonsys.html
Unobtrusive and without "ONLY FOR SENIORS" -design
Keep up the good work, love your analysis
Nice design -- still in the 'early' investment stages
Definitely innovative, UK company looking for investors, not available at this time.
http://www.imonsys.com/default.aspx
Congrats on being featured on ABC: Tech This Out!
Hey Laurie -
Great work on today's (Sept 3) ABC program: Tech This Out:
http://grandcare.wordpress.com/2010/09/03/grandcare-featured-on-todays-a...
You did a wonderful job!!!