For memory care facilities, striking a balance between resident autonomy and safety is a constant challenge. According to a source, incidences of wandering reach as high as 63% in people who live in community-based care homes. This type of behavior can be dangerous, even life-threatening, and the stress of this risk weighs heavily on caregivers and family members of people prone to wandering. Residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s often retain a strong desire for independence yet require unobtrusive monitoring to ensure their well-being and comfort. Thankfully, innovative technology is emerging to bridge this gap, empowering freedom in memory care without compromising safety.
Personalized Care Plans with Technology
Gone are the days of restrictive environments for seniors. Modern memory care facilities prioritize personalized care plans that respect resident dignity and individuality. Technology-assisted independence is key to achieving this. Through location-based data solutions like ENVisionIT®, real-time data empowers caregivers with insights into resident movement. Imagine a resident who enjoys gardening. This technology allows for the resident to enjoy tending to plants in a designated gardening area within a secure courtyard, promoting a sense of purpose and accomplishment, while staff remain aware of their location and ready to respond promptly if needed.
Promoting Dignity and Well-Being with Freedom of Movement
Residents with dementia often find comfort in familiar routines and the freedom to move around. In fact, six in 10 people living with dementia will wander at least once, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, and many do so repeatedly. Thankfully, the DoorGUARDIAN® wander management solution supports resident independence by allowing them to move freely throughout the facility, tracking the location of wander-prone residents as they move about, and automatically alerting staff when a resident attempts to exit a designated area. This unobtrusive approach minimizes resident frustration and promotes a sense of autonomy and control. Alerts and updates can even be sent directly to mobile devices through the mVision® mobile app so staff can also move freely about the facility and don’t have to be tied down to a single station or room, fostering peace of mind for everyone involved.
Technology: A Tool for Reducing Resident Frustration
Imposing too many rules and restrictions can lead to increased agitation and frustration in memory care residents. Their world has already shrunk considerably, and overly restrictive environments can exacerbate feelings of helplessness and isolation. Technology allows caregivers to give them more independence, anticipate their needs, and provide support before frustration builds. For example, location data from ENVisionIT® can reveal a resident frequently pacing near the exit. A caregiver, alerted by the system, can check in with the resident and redirect them or provide support as needed.
The Future of Memory Care: Freedom and Safety Hand-in-Hand
Ultimately, technology in memory care is not just about fostering independence; it’s about creating a holistic approach to well-being. By embracing technology that fosters independence, memory care facilities can create a more enriching and dignified environment for residents. ENVisionIT®, DoorGUARDIAN®, and mVision® are just a few examples of how innovative solutions promote more freedom for seniors in memory care facilities while enhancing their safety. This empowers residents to live life to the fullest, while ensuring loved ones and caregivers have peace of mind.
About Secure Care Products, LLC
For the past 45 years, Secure Care Products, LLC has been committed to providing improved safety and locating solutions through best-in-class service and innovative design for your most valuable assets. As the first company in the world to design and manufacture electronic monitoring equipment for wander-prone residents, we empower long-term care and healthcare facilities around the world. Using state-of-the-art, cutting-edge technologies, we keep people and things protected. Let us know how we can help you by calling 1.800.451.7917 or contact us by visiting our website.
