SafetyNet - how to get them to wear it?

SDianeL

My DH, 78, Stage 5 going into Stage 6. He tried to leave the apartment the other night to use the bathroom. The VA gave us an alert button that has a clip for his belt but he won't wear it. Does anyone use SafetyNet? Our Sheriff's office uses it and it is a watch. Just don't think he will wear it either.

terei

It is likely even if he would wear it, he would not activate it. This is so common. You would be better off with a simple lock on the door placed high where the LO will overlook it. Many caregivers have tried this with good results

harshedbuzz

@SDianeL

At the stage you are describing, exit-seeking and confused about where the bathroom is, he's beyond the use of any safety gizmo that requires his participation. He'd have to 1) recognize he's in trouble, 2) use reasoning skills to devise a plan for help, 3) recall that he has an alert button for help and 4) remember how to use the button.

Does your sheriff offer Angel Sense? This is a device many LEOs use for those with special needs. There does exist a locking watch band to circumvent removal in the line. I know families who have used these for their family members with ASD successfully. It's a pretty chunky unit.

Help Center - AngelSense

If you have an Apple phone, you could try slipping Air Tags into a pocket or onto a jacket of shoelace. I find these more reliable in real time than Tiles.

HB

SDianeL

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/184292#Comment_184292

our law enforcement used SafetyNet devices to track them. I just don't think he'll wear it. I'll check on the Air Tags. Thanks!

harshedbuzz

@SDianeL

It doesn't look like SafetyNet has as many options for wearing as AngelSense. Many parents I know who have used it really like the option to tag clothing using a key system similar to a department store anti-theft device or the locking wrist band. The SafetyNet one doesn't look anywhere near as robust.

dancsfo

This article describes the use of AirTags, including its limitations since it is Bluetooth based, and does not have its own GPS and mobile phone service. In urban areas, it may be sufficient since someone with an iPhone will probably eventually become close-by.

https://nypost.com/2022/10/17/americans-are-using-apple-airtags-to-track-loved-ones-with-dementia-report-says/

and perhaps use a good case for attaching them and the one linked below seems similar to department store anti-theft tags. You do need to remove them before washing them.

https://wairco.com/pages/apple-airtag-cases-for-elderly