In an effort to prevent seniors from wandering away from their home, a Michigan program has incorporated GPS technology to track some of its elder citizens.
The Elder Abuse and Prevention Program employs the use of 50 GPS devices, which weigh less than two-and-a-half ounces each, to care for seniors who may not be able to manage on their own, ConnectMidMichigan.com reports.
"We’re going to monitor this 24/7.
Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for our Alzheimer’s and dementia people," Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell told the news provider.
The devices were purchased with $9,000 in federal grants and are clipped to the senior citizen’s clothing, according to the article. On one charge, the device’s battery lasts for approximately five days. If a senior goes missing, family members and police can log on to a website that maps a person’s precise location.
"This is becoming such a huge concern as our population is increasing with seniors," Nims said about seniors wandering away from their home.
GPS devices may be a good idea for people with a senior family member who has a penchant for walking away from their retirement community or home.
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