Device To Help Track Alzheimer's Sufferers

by San Diago News:'EmSeeQ' Designed To Find Patients That Become LostThe Chula Vista Police Department is the first in San Diego County to use a new tool designed to locate missing people who have Alzheimer's or dementia. The device, called EmSeeQ, is worn by someone who suffers from Alzheimer's or dementia and has a mesh band that can't be easily cut. It also has a lock that only a caregiver is able to open.When a caregiver reports that the wearer of the wristwatch-like device is missing, authorities notify the device maker, EmFinders. The company then activates the device, which signals authorities so they can pinpoint the wearer's location."It's a huge help for us ... it's obviously critically important from a safety perspective for the individual," said. Unlike GPS, authorities say this technology will still work even if the wearer is in a building or enclosed space. "It actually works off the cellular phone system,"EmFinders says the EmSeeQ device was used in more than 100 rescues last year nationwide. The average rescue time was 17 minutes. Chula Vista police say the technology will not only save time, but manpower, resources and potential heartache. For example, in April 2010, an Oceanside man with Alzheimer's and dementia was found dead a few days after he wandered away from home."Sixty percent of folks will wander at some point during the course of their disease." Experts say half of the 60 percent who wander will end up in grave danger, making the EmSeeQ a welcome ally in the race against time.