Wander Monitor
An adult day health center is interested in a wander monitor specific to their situation. Staff have explored commercially developed products but they are either too cost prohibitive, the receiver is too large or the range is too broad. The person can be anywhere in or out of the program when the alarm sounds. The ideal monitor would be designed for someone with Alzheimer's disease who wanders out of the program area into other areas of the building. Certainly it's something that home caregivers could use also. They are interested in a detector that can be placed at a door and operated by battery.
It should have a range of approximately 5 feet and when the "wanderer" approaches the door, the alert sounds. If the range could be adjustable the end product would have a wider consumer base and therefore be marketable. Also, the alert sound should be a pleasant sound as opposed to an alarm type noise. The receiver should be something small that the person would like to wear and is pleasing to the eye. A pin, watch, or name badge would be dignified and the "wanderer" would want to wear it.
Background research showed that no devices entirely met these design specifications. The design and development of a device meeting the requirements will be undertaken in the coming academic year.
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: October 25, 2007 11:35:27