Tracking 'get-lost walks'

Donna Cusano

The Seattle PI website reports on a program with GPS technology helping to keep track of those with Alzheimers or dementia during their daily activities. Its purpose, refreshingly, is not to restrict the individual but to allow that person to stay as active as possible–even driving–while enabling families to view a map of their whereabouts on a PC or, in an emergency, to locate them quickly.  This is far ahead of other technology which only activates in emergencies for police to locate the person. The Seattle Alzheimers Association program, “Comfort Zone”, uses a system from Omnilink Systems for tracking and to allow families to set area and time parameters.  A great example of ‘people tracking’ technology developed for other areas to be repurposed, and a win-win for those with dementia and their families.  Article.  Omnilink website.