Day: January 22, 2015

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Assisted living cost Local nursing homes Senior housing cecil county

GPS Shoes May Keep Dementia Patients Safe

Assisted living facilities

Tragedy struck an Ohio nursing home earlier this week, when a resident who had been diagnosed with dementia wandered outside sometime overnight and died of exposure. Martha Jensdrix was found in the parking lot at 7:30 the next morning, when it was too late to help her. Family members say that the staff of the nursing home was aware of her condition when she moved in, and many people are wondering how no one noticed that she was gone. While an internal investigation is underway at the nursing home, technology is stepping up to try to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again in other nursing homes.

Two separate companies have developed a way to track a person’s movements via their shoes, an ability that could save the lives of countless Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, as well as giving their caregivers peace of mind.


The Aetrex shoe has a GPS device embedded right in the heel of the shoe, providing real-time tracking that can be linked via satellite to any computer or smartphone. The shoes have a USB charger, and can be connected to a computer to upload the data. The shoes cost $299 initially, with a $30 monthly charge for the satellite tracking.

SoleTrackr is another company with a similar product: a small GPS device built into a removable insole. The SoleTrackr is powered through a cellular network for increased range, and is designed for people who don’t normally carry a cell phone, such as young children and the elderly.

Both the Aetrex shoe and the SoleTrackr have an option for the caretaker to set up an acceptable area for the wearer to be in at a certain time, so that the device will notify the caregiver if the shoes exit that area. For example, if a resident wanders outside their assisted living facility, the staff can be immediately notified. The Aetrex shoes also notify caregivers of prolonged periods of rest and changes in battery life.

As the technology improves, it could really revolutionize senior citizen housing options. Nursing homes would be able to spend less time chasing down patients within the facilities, making it easier to find them quickly and administer assistance in case of emergency. While the cost of assisted living facilities may rise slightly to cover the costs of the shoes, many caregivers and nursing homes agree that it would be worth it for the added security and peace of mind. It may be too late for Martha Jendrix, technology may be the best way to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. Refernce materials.

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Dedicated senior care Options for elderly living Seniors living independently

Three Things to Keep in Mind as You Search for Memory Care Options

Protecting seniors with behavorial care

When most people think about their senior care options, they often think of factors that don’t always deal with medical care. From the accommodations at an assisted living home to the activities in a community, these are often the aspects of senior living that are prioritized when assessing a facility. However, some seniors require their elder care to go beyond their room and board, especially if they’re looking for senior living options that specialize in treating dementia and Alzheimer’s.

People who are seeking assisted living communities with memory care have several things to think about when they consider these homes beyond the decisions that the typical senior has to make when choosing this care. Treating dementia and Alzheimer’s requires special care and attentive staff members who will make residents feel safe and comfortable. If you are looking for this level of care for a family member, here are three features you should look for in memory care for seniors:

1. Safety: Patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s may have a tendency to wander and become lost, which can put them in serious danger. In order to protect your senior relatives, make sure that the facility they live in has plenty of security and attentive staff members who won’t place them in harm’s way.

2. Treatments: As of now, there is no cure for memory loss. However, treating dementia, Alzheimer’s, and related conditions is possible through various drugs and therapies in order to keep these seniors happy. Find out what an assisted living community with memory care can do for you or a relative.

3. Care: Above all, your senior relatives should feel cared for by friendly and dedicated staff members. Dementia and Alzheimer’s patients can often feel frustrated and confused by their conditions. A skilled nursing care staff will help them calm down and stay comfortable in their assisted living facility.

Have more questions about the best senior living communities for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients? Leave a comment below. Find out more about this topic here.