ALZHEIMER PATIENT LOST IN HOUSTON FOR NEARLY 24 HOURS.
New easy-to-use ID that attaches to patients shoes could help prevent this situation.
ID essential for protecting Alzheimer patients. New easy-to-use ID tag, fits on shoes. Not bothersome to patients. Helps return patients to caregivers.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact:
Mary Lynn Fernau
713-301-5494
ALZHEIMER PATIENT LOST IN HOUSTON FOR NEARLY 24 HOURS.
New easy-to-use ID that attaches to patients shoes could help prevent this situation.
HOUSTON TX PRWEB) September 26, 2003-- 9:20 am CST) - 66-year-old Alzheimer patient, whos also diabetic, has been missing for nearly 24 hours. She moved to Houston with family from Puerto Rico in July. She doesnt speak English, has no identification on her, does not know her address and thinks she is still in Puerto Rico. She walked out of her apartment, past a house maid who was suppose to watch her at about noon on September 25. She hasnt been seen since. Police dogs are now looking for her along with family and friends.
This is all too frequent a scenario. A new easy-to-use ID that fits on the patients shoe could help prevent this situation in the future. Whos Shoes ID is a velcro strap that fits on all types of shoes: laces, straps, thumb pulls etc. It stays secure and when opened reveals wearers name, three emergency contacts, physicians name and phone, and vital medical conditions.
4.5 million elder adults suffer from Alzheimers and wandering is a common problem in Alzheimer patients.
My mother wandered away from her home one evening when my father had run a quick errand to the post office" said Houston-resident Ronda Wendler. It started to rain, she was frightened and had fallen and hurt herself. Neighbors - who did not know who she was - found her and called the ambulance. Luckily, as my father was coming home, he saw the ambulance and recognized my mother. We realized then how important ID is for Alzheimer patients and she now wears Whos Shoes ID."
Keeping these people safe is a continuous concern for their care-givers. Beside ID, the Alzheimer Association offers these steps to protect our loved ones on a daily basis.
Make potentially dangerous places less accessible
• Lock or disguise hazardous areas.
• Install door locks out of sight.
• Use special safety devices, such as child-proof locks and door knobs, to limit access to places where knives, appliances, equipment, and cleaning fluids are stored.
Accommodate for visual changes
• Diffuse bright light by removing or covering mirrors and glass-top furniture, and cover windows with blinds, shades, or sheer draperies.
• Add extra lighting in entries, outside landings, areas between rooms, stairways, and bathrooms because changes in levels of light can be disorienting.
• Place contrasting colored rugs in front of doors or steps to help the individual anticipate staircases and room entrances.
Avoid injury during daily activities
• Monitor the temperature of water faucets and food because the person may have a decreased sensitivity to temperature.
• Install walk-in showers, grab bars, and decals to slippery surfaces in the bathroom to prevent falls.
• Supervise the person in taking prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Beware of hazardous objects and substances
• Limit the use of certain appliances and equipment such as mixers, grills, knives, and lawnmowers.
• Supervise smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Remove objects, such as magazine racks, coffee tables, and floor lamps, to create safe wandering areas and reduce the possibility of injury.
• Clean out the refrigerator regularly and discard inedible food.
• Lock firearms in a cabinet or drawer, or remove them from the house. Don't allow unsupervised access to firearms.
Be prepared for emergencies
• Keep a list of emergency phone numbers and addresses for local police and fire departments, hospitals, and poison control help lines.
• Check fire extinguishers and smoke alarms, and conduct fire drills regularly
• Use ID
Photos and more information available at www.whosshoesid.com
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