Tracking device for dementia sufferer?

[RusholmeRuffian]

My Dad has Alzheimer's. Until recently he was ok to be left alone if my Mum went out for a short time. Now he's started wandering though and getting lost. My Mum now feels trapped in the house as she's scared to leave him. That's not something any of us want for her.

I was looking for a tracking device so that he can go walking if he wants and we could find him if he's gone too long. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the choices out there and there seem to be lots of bad reviews. Has anyone used this type of device? Any recommendations please?

[helpfulperson]

www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-support/publications-and-factsheets/dementia-together-magazine/gps-devices

gives some helpful advice. We never used a device as they were still very new when my father was ill but we found it useful not to think of it as wandering. We may not know where the person with alzehimers is going but often in their own mind they do.
www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/walking-about

[HoleyCoMoley]

My concern would be that he would not know where he is going, he could wander into the road, get on public transport, a tracker won't stop that.

[floatingcloud]

shop.v.vodafone.com/UK/V-SOSBand

[RusholmeRuffian]

I know a tracker won't stop him getting into trouble but my Mum can't have no life at all. She needs to be able to see her friends occasionally. 99% of the time he is quite happy at home but on the few occasions he does go out walking, it would be nice to be able to track him down more quickly and without having to mobilise neighbours or. All the police. He tends to go to places from his childhood but can't always get back quickly.

[RusholmeRuffian]

Thanks for the link floatingcloud, I'll check it out.

[vdbfamily]

See if you can have a telecare lifeline assesment for them. There is all sorts of stuff around safety. There is a door sensor which alarms and can say a message in your mums voice along the lines of 'don't go out now my lovely, I will be home soon etc', they have all sorts of GPS systems they can advise about and smoke/flood/gas sensors.

Also speak to Crossroads for Carers as they can advise about respite sitters/volunteer visitors/daycentres etc to give your mum a break.

My father in law twice had to be found by heat sensing helicoptor, one time he had been out all night but was fine, second time he had a broken arm and leg and now he no longer wanders! But is still at home.
There is lots of help and advice out there. ocal Alzheimers support group or Carers support would also have advice and ideas.

[RusholmeRuffian]

Thank you, that's really useful information.

[FruitCider]

Hi OP. Has your dad had a mental capacity assessment and best interests meeting in regards to the tracker? If you request one a tracker may even be funded for you x

[Cassimin]

My son works in this field.
He told me that there are soles that can be fitted in shoes that have a tracker built into them.
My Nan had a wrist band but she often took it off.
She also had one for around her neck that she never wore.
If the tracker is in the shoe and they only have one pair they will not leave the house without them.

[TheFaerieQueene]

I’m sorry you are facing this. I’ve been there with a wandering father. It is hideous. Trackers are ok but not fool proof. Can you arrange for a companion/carer to sit with him on a regular basis so your mother can have a break.

[TheFaerieQueene]

Another thought. My father used to go to a day centre for dementia sufferers on a weekly basis. This worked well as my mother had a day a week to herself.

[helpfulperson]

I would also encourage your mum to start thinking about the time when she can no longer cope and what her criteria for that would be. For my mum it was when my dad didn't know who she was and thought she was just another carer. I don't know what age your mum is but mine was mid-eighties and was physically exhausted from being up and down all night and constantly on watch.

Dad went weekly to a day centre and also every couple of months went for week respite care locally. I don't know if it's different in England but we are in Scotland and this was arranged through Social Services and for very reasonable cost. Mum getting these breaks really helped her keep him at home for much longer.

He is now in a fantastic local carehome being waited on hand and foot by the amazing staff.

[RusholmeRuffian]

Thanks everyone, I'm going to do some proper research this week and also get into social services, we've been waiting months for a care assessment 😔