US foundation introduces GPS locator device for Alzheimers patients

By eGov Innovation Editors | Jan 25, 2012

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A GPS locator device and monitoring system is now helping track US Alzheimers patients who have wandered from their homes or healthcare facilities.

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America  (AFA) and Breadcrumb L.L.C. jointly launched the device designed specifically for the dementia population and aimed at immediately and precisely pinpointing a person's whereabouts. It comes complete with an adapter, charging station, USB cable, rechargeable batteries, attachment bands, and an instructional DVD.

Utilizing a global positioning system (GPS) and cellular technology that receives signals from satellites, the device continuously maps a person's precise location and provides a "breadcrumb trail" of the exact route. Caregivers can access the wearer's real-time whereabouts around-the-clock on a Google map via an Internet-connected computer and/or smartphones.   

It also works by setting up a virtual fence, or geofence, around a person's residence and/or other locations, such as a relative's home or an adult day center, and sends an alert when the wearer leaves that zone.

According to experts, every person with dementia who can walk is at risk of becoming lost and faces a 61 percent risk of death if not found within the first 24 hours.

"The BC300 is an exciting, proactive solution to one of the most challenging behaviors among people with Alzheimer's disease," said Eric J. Hall, AFA's president and CEO.