GPS used to track senior citizens
February 10, 2009
Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell teamed up with the Elder Abuse and Prevention Program in Flint to keep vulnerable senior citizens from wondering away from home.
It all centers around GPS technology. 50 GPS devices, weighing less than two and a half ounces were purchased with $9,000 in federal grants. The goal is prevention; caring for seniors who cannot manage on their own.
“We’re going to monitor this 24/7. Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for our Alzheimer’s and Dementia people,” Pickell said.
“When they have Dementia and Alzheimer’s they wander,” said Diane Nims, Program Director for the Elder Abuse and Prevention center. They wander away from their home, from the facility they are residing in and time is critical.”
Cases of seniors wandering away from home is common in Mid-Michigan. On July 13th, 78-year-old John Tierney’s body was found in a field near the Owosso Airport days after he disappeared. State Police first found his dog, which led them back to his body. His family said Tierney had Alzheimer’s Disease.
“This is becoming such a huge concern as our population is increasing with seniors,” Nims said.
The GPS tracking devices clip to an elderly person’s clothing. Charge them for six hours, and they last at least five days on that power. Family members or care givers can go to a website that maps a person’s precise location. Police and paramedics can tap into the system if help is needed.
“We’re looking for people living at home, living with a loved one or something caring for them- a caregiver,” Nims said.
Sheriff Pickell said this is a part of a role as well. It’s not just about locking up the bad guys, he said.
“We have to be involved in the community. We have to protect people. When we say protect and serve, it’s not to abuse people. I think this is one of the forms of protection that we do,” Pickell said.
SOURCE: ConnectMidMichigan.com
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