Dementia is one of the things that most people fear the worst when they get older. It is a progressive condition that is typically characterized by a decline in memory, reasoning, language and thinking skills.
While there isn’t a cure for dementia. There is also no treatment known to slow its progression. As the stages of dementia advance, the symptoms worsen. Having your loved one suffering from dementia is an agonizing and heartbreaking to watch.
People with dementia and who are able to walk on their own, tend to wander, sometimes outside of their home. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than half of all dementia patients will wander. While wandering is one common behavior of dementia patients, it doesn’t mean, though, that you would just ignore it. It is, in fact, a dangerous behavior for dementia sufferers because they are at a higher risk of accidents while wandering. They are likely not to remember their own names and may feel confused or disoriented. Wandering can happen in any stages of dementia (even in the earliest stage)
However, wandering is preventable if you know the right strategies on how to deal with it.
If you are not able to seek professional help or if you plan to be away from the house for a while, try these wandering prevention devices. They will help you to feel less worry and stress, if and when your loved one has the urge to get out his or her bedroom.
Anti-Wandering Single Door Exit Alarm System
This Anti-Wandering Single Door Exit Alarm System features an alarm which alerts caregivers when a dementia patient comes near the doorway. It also has a wristband which patients wear. This wristband sets off audible and visual alarms to alert a caregiver or family member when the dementia patient is too near the doorway. This unit does not require professional installation and you can use it right away after purchase. It also comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Patient Wristband Transmitter for Anti-Wandering Door Bar Exit Alarms
The wristband is used along with Smart Caregiver’s Single and Double Door Bar Exit Alarm Systems. It alerts the family or caregiver when the patient nears the doorway.
Wireless Anti-Wandering Door Exit Alarm Reset Button
A batter-operated device is used with Smart Caregiver’s Anti-Wandering Door Exit Alarm systems (purchased separately). It allows the caregiver to quickly silence the alarm to attend to their patient’s needs.
Replacement Single Door Monitor Bar
Another product used with the Anti-Wandering Single Door Exit Alarm. It alerts a caregiver when a patient is nearing the doorway. Patients wear a wristband which is paired with this door bar set, which will set off an alarm (visual and audible) to a caregiver when the patient goes toward the doorway to try to open it.
This caregiver key has a chain and Is compatible with Smart Caregiver’s alarm models featuring the Tamper Proof Caregiver Key function (models TL-2100G, TL-2100S, TL-2100CP, TL-2100V, and TL-2016R3/4). It is also compatible with Smart Caregiver’s Anti-Wandering Door Exit Alarm Systems (models TL-3004SYS1/2 and TL-3005SYS1/2).
If your loved one suffers from Dementia and has a tendency to wander, contact Kerr Medical to discuss your concerns and find out the products that may help you or other caregivers.