GPS could track elderly 'wanderers,' report says

Health-care officials should consider using GPS wrist or ankle devices to track elderly patients who are prone to "nocturnal wandering," an Alberta death inquiry report suggests.

Sydney Salter, 88, was found dead Dec. 31, 2007, outside The View, a Lethbridge retirement home.

The coroner said Salter, who suffered from dementia, had wandered into the parking lot of the building and, due to disorientation, died of hypothermia.

While the overnight temperature was –15 C, the man wore no shoes and was clad only in a shirt and trousers.

An inquiry was called and Alberta provincial court Judge Ronald Jacobson suggested in his report, issued Tuesday, that health professionals should study the idea of putting tracking devices on "cognatively impaired" patients if they can't be kept in secure facilities at all times.

The judge found no fault with any officials, nor anyone at the retirement home, with respect to Salter's death.

But there should be a thorough review of existing protocols for tracking the elderly who may be prone to memory lapses or dementia — especially those who are prone to wander — the judge said.

Suggests study group

Jacobson called for a working group, under Alberta Health, to conduct a study and issue a plan by next January.

The plan should "identify the needs of 'wanderers,' especially nocturnal ones, who require urgent '24/7' safe, secure facilities with qualified staff to provide care and protection by taking all relevant factors into consideration, including ... what personal protective devices (e.g., personal sensors with GPS indicators) can be used to monitor and supervise wanderers," he said.

Jacobson added: "Should the emphasis be on electrical monitoring such as sensors on the arms [or] wrists, legs or elsewhere on the body? Should there be sensors to indicate the opening and closing of doors? Should sensors be combined with video surveillance?"

He also said Alberta should also consider enacting or amending legislation "to allow doctors to recommend terms that will promptly provide patients in need with secure/safe designated accommodation and care."