WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — When taking care of someone with Alzheimer’s disease, experts informed CBS12 News that it’s not a question of whether they will wander, but rather when it will happen. In such situations, the countdown begins even before you realize they are missing.
“Law enforcement should be contacted immediately, as every 15 or 20 minutes a person is lost on foot, they can travel another mile in any direction, which greatly expands the search area.
With bodies of water, fast-moving traffic, and trains in the vicinity, it becomes increasingly hazardous,” explained Dr. Karen Gilbert DNP MS RN, Vice President of Education and Quality Assurance for Alzheimer’s Community Care.
Recently, a 79-year-old woman named Verina Cadet wandered away from her house in West Palm Beach on Monday morning, but she wasn’t reported missing until the afternoon. After an exhaustive search, authorities found Cadet more than 24 hours later deceased on the side of a nearby road.
In another incident, in May, the body of a 93-year-old woman with Alzheimer’s disease from Port St. Lucie was discovered dead in the backseat of an unlocked vehicle after having wandered away.
Alzheimer’s Community Care officials sadly admit that such situations are not uncommon. “Unfortunately, it’s not. It’s quite common,” said Dr. Gilbert.
The family resource organization, based in Palm Beach County, offers special tracking devices to patients who might wander off, completely free of charge to their families.
“One is a radio frequency device that the patients will wear 24/7, and the other is a global positioning system device which is clipped to their clothing, day or night. This can give an immediate signal to the caregiver on an app on their phone with a map, showing exactly where the person is, so they can locate them very quickly,” Dr. Gilbert explained.
With specific frequencies, the police can track those wearing the device within minutes.
Sandy Beberman, a caregiver, expressed that these devices have been a true lifesaver for his wife Esther, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease seven years ago.
“Because twice she walked out of the house. That’s two times too many. But at least now I know I don’t have to get hysterical because I can’t find her. They can find her for me,” Beberman said.
For more information on these lifesaving devices, you can contact the Alzheimer’s Community Care group at 561-683-2700. They serve residents in Palm Beach, Martin, and St. Lucie counties.
