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Virginia Legal News

Using cellular technology to track Virginia nursing home residents


Posted on Sep 29, 2010

There’s a new option available for families and nursing homes looking to better keep track of elderly Virginia residents prone to wandering off and getting lost: a tracking device that uses cellular technology.

 

The possibility of a Virginia nursing home resident – especially elderly residents or those with cognitive disorders – wandering from a home is a frightening possibility for many families.  Some residents are unable to understand or cope with the dangers they face in the “outside world”.  These residents are often unable to find their way back once they leave, making their disappearance even more troubling.

 

Currently available technologies for tracking residents who are likely to get lost include radio frequency transmitters.  However, these devices may not work in storms or indoors – and searchers have to be within a mile of the lost person.

 

The new cellular technologies work this way: the resident wears a wrist band, and if the person goes missing a call is put out to the device.  It then calls in its location to rescuers.  This can dramatically cut down on the time it takes to find a wandering resident.

 

Technology like this may be a big relief to families and Virginia nursing homes concerned about loved ones who may be suffering from conditions like Alzheimer’s, although they can never take the place of a well-run, well-staffed nursing home facility.

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Michael S. Weisberg, P.C.
112 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 622-7740
Fax: (757) 533-9223
Toll Free: (800) 690-0235
Email: info@weislaw.com
www.weislaw.com