South Florida Sun-Sentinel's Diane Lade: High-tech devices allow tracking of Florida Alzheimer's patients
The Sun Sentinel article below details the use of EmFinders, a new device designed to track young children or elderly patients in danger of being lost.
EmFinders, an emergency locating system that is triggered by the caregiver (not the missing person), provides critical information for the recovery of a missing person.
To read more information about how EmFinders works, click here.
High-tech devices allow tracking of Florida Alzheimer's patients By Diane C. Lade Sun Sentinel
Friday, June 10, 2011
The same technologies that track your stolen car, power your cellphone and give you driving directions are increasingly being repurposed to to monitor South Florida Alzheimer's patients.
The region is home to almost 150,000 people with Alzheimer's and other diseases that affect cognitive abilities and memory. Private companies and nonprofit organizations are rolling out a growing array of high-tech tracking devices resembling bracelets, watches, and cellphones.
LoJack, a name synonymous with vehicle security, now covers all of South Florida after expanding its SafetyNet radio frequency bracelet program into Miami-Dade County last month. And Alzheimer's Community Care in West Palm Beach is negotiating to bring in EmFinders, a Texas company offering a wristband-like device that uses cellular phone signals.
Mary Barnes, Community Care's president and CEO, said the agency is starting a pilot project with EmFinders and anticipates more will get into the Alzheimer's monitoring game, given the devices' potential. "Looking down the road, we think it will be the fast-growing service we provide," said Barnes, whose agency offers adult day programs, caregiver support and other services.
Already 15 Martin County patients have been outfitted with EmFinders bracelets.
Alzheimer's experts promote putting an identifier or monitor on Alzheimer's patients. Studies suggest at least 60 percent wander away from homes or residential facilities. But it's unclear how big the market is for high-tech monitoring. The companies interviewed for this story declined to release enrollment or revenue figures.
Alzheimer's care professionals say families should do their research before investing in GPS trackers or other monitors. One size, they say, does not fit all.
In Laura Jones' case, it made sense to go with the Comfort Zone pocket device offered through the Alzheimer's Association. Her husband, Jay Jones — 54 and in the early stages of the disease — still is able to travel around their Lighthouse Point neighborhood by himself and Comfort Zone's system allows Laura to monitor him.
EmFinders, an emergency locating system that is triggered by the caregiver (not the missing person), provides critical information for the recovery of a missing person.
To read more information about how EmFinders works, click here.
High-tech devices allow tracking of Florida Alzheimer's patients By Diane C. Lade Sun Sentinel
Friday, June 10, 2011
The same technologies that track your stolen car, power your cellphone and give you driving directions are increasingly being repurposed to to monitor South Florida Alzheimer's patients.
The region is home to almost 150,000 people with Alzheimer's and other diseases that affect cognitive abilities and memory. Private companies and nonprofit organizations are rolling out a growing array of high-tech tracking devices resembling bracelets, watches, and cellphones.
LoJack, a name synonymous with vehicle security, now covers all of South Florida after expanding its SafetyNet radio frequency bracelet program into Miami-Dade County last month. And Alzheimer's Community Care in West Palm Beach is negotiating to bring in EmFinders, a Texas company offering a wristband-like device that uses cellular phone signals.
Mary Barnes, Community Care's president and CEO, said the agency is starting a pilot project with EmFinders and anticipates more will get into the Alzheimer's monitoring game, given the devices' potential. "Looking down the road, we think it will be the fast-growing service we provide," said Barnes, whose agency offers adult day programs, caregiver support and other services.
Already 15 Martin County patients have been outfitted with EmFinders bracelets.
Alzheimer's experts promote putting an identifier or monitor on Alzheimer's patients. Studies suggest at least 60 percent wander away from homes or residential facilities. But it's unclear how big the market is for high-tech monitoring. The companies interviewed for this story declined to release enrollment or revenue figures.
Alzheimer's care professionals say families should do their research before investing in GPS trackers or other monitors. One size, they say, does not fit all.
In Laura Jones' case, it made sense to go with the Comfort Zone pocket device offered through the Alzheimer's Association. Her husband, Jay Jones — 54 and in the early stages of the disease — still is able to travel around their Lighthouse Point neighborhood by himself and Comfort Zone's system allows Laura to monitor him.
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