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Not sure how to keep him from it and he also loses his drinks and puts things up and swears that someone else did it but he also will go for walks and he likes to bring home things out of other peoples trash he brought home a xmas tree and lamps with no cords how do i stop this or what should i say without making him upset

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It's a spammer, Jeanne. The poster has advertised on 16 or 17 posts now. They've been reported by at least two people, so hopefully the messages and poster will disappear.
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NikoleCollins, this thread is two months old, and several people have already mentioned tracking devices.

Tracking devices are not "preventative solutions" -- they do not prevent anyone from wandering, they just help locate the wanderer. They may be very awesome and useful, but they do NOT "prevent wander before it happens".

I'm really wondering why you are posting this exact message, with no personalization to response to specific questions, to old messages. Is this advertising?
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5 Star which is a GPS enabled monitor, is a good thing to consider. Unlike the traditonal monitoring devices that are only good for a number of feet, this monitor literally goes anywhere. You can buy them at Wal-Mart and they are resonably priced.
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Well, I did a very simple thing that will be effective for mom's trying to get out either door while I'm working. I picked up a pack of Grip 'n Twist doorknob covers, 3 to a pack for 3 dollars at Walmart. They glow in the dark, ha-ha, and I have a heck of a time opening the doors myself now unless I grip them just right. They certainly work for us. I shudder at the thought of her wandering anywhere by herself; she's way past the walking alone stage for sure.
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TAGG. I think the device was around $129 and I think we pay about 9-10 per month (sorry, I forgot - hasn't shown up on my CC yet.) We use it for Dad, not the dog!
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Lorey9, could you give me more information about the GPS tracker you have for your dog? I like the features as you've described them and would like to know more about the monitor. Who makes it, what's the name of the device, how much did it cost, where did you get it?

Thanks a lot!
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Since the one we have is for a dog, we had to get him used to carrying it in his pocket. (it's made to slip on a leash). It has become part of his daily 'uniform' - wallet, keys, glasses and his 'ISpy'. Once he leaves the designated area we have set, I will get an alarm on my phone. That can take up to 12 minutes (the satellite cycle - all of these GPS systems have one of various time periods), but at anytime, I can tap a locate button and it will tell me where he is. I can either tap it at will, or set it on tracking for 30 minutes where it will beep me his location every 3 minutes. That's how we realized that he was on a bus that day. That feature can be reactivated after the 30 minutes. We also got an ID bracelet with contact info - we have to convince him to wear that now.
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Hello again-about the Safetylink: once it is put on the wrist, it cannot be removed. For individuals who have sensory concerns, it is possible to put a tracker on a shoe...but no guarantee that will be on the person's foot when going for a walk. Good news,the wristlet is waterproof (take it to the shower, too); the battery gets changed every 6 months. One call to the local police and the tracking begins.
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This is another thing I need to do for my husband. I am afraid he will get lost also. Thanks for the info!
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GPS! Just had to get my Dad this morning, although he wasn't lost and on his way home. A few weeks ago he got on a bus and was trying to get to Manhattan! The one we use is actually for dogs - a bit cheaper than the people ones. We've had it about 6 weeks and is helping.
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Safetylinkbylojack, is an electronic tracking program that once alerted, can bring your loved one home in a matter of minutes. Wearing a wrist watch-like device greatly reduces the risks of such a situation. Check with your local Council in Aging if funding is needed for the monthly service.
File a Disability Indicator Form with your local Police Dept. so they are aware that your family member has this special need. These simple steps will greatly reduce fear and the impact of any individual who gets lost.
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I saw something in the latest AARP magazine which features an affordable medical alert service. It is called the 5Star and is powered by wireless network. It looks like a cell phone and works at home, out for a walk, shopping, driving...It has GPS technology. It costs $14.pp a month. No contracts, no cancellation fees, no equipment to install.
It is offered by greatcall...
I think I might get one for my husband as he does still drive. (he was born in the town where we live, so the long term memory is okay..for now).
I also picked up, from any pharmacy, an order sheet for an expandable wallet card that could be carried along with usual wallet..inside details can be placed for identification, etc.
I like the 5STAR idea...like knowing all that other equipment isn't installed.
If anyone is using this alert service, I would like to know...marymember
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Thought of something else. With the peripheral vision that some experience with dementia. I did not realize that a black rug in front of a door can appear to be a hole not a rug. I didn't realize it until my mother would not go near the door. Once we realized it they used it in front of the elevators. Kept residents from slipping in with family and going off the floor to wander offl
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First, go with him on his walks if you can. Say you want some exercise too. If that is not possible, put labels in his clothing identifying him, and a bracelet, necklace I.D. are only as good IF he wears them. Have a recent photo of him just in case he does get lost. If he is still coming home that is a good sign even though he brings things with him. He's probably in that long-term memory during the Great Depression when he had to look for items for his family of origin. Short of putting locks on the doors he does need to walk (since he still can) so someone can watch him driving behind him or walking with him. My husband got lost when we first moved to our new house, but after months of seeing the route in the car, he now can walk to and from church by himself. If your dad has been in his home for years he has stored the route in long-term memory. I know you get worried, but you cannot police him 24/7 unless he is in a memory care unit. Best wishes!
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Lol I meant I purchased it for my mom and my daughter had to make it look special!!
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I purchased a monitor GPS (if you will) for my daughter and had her bling it to look fashionable. (That's my mom) and also if he is willing get him a bracelet with dementia. Those pocket cards with his (ICE) in case of emergency should be on his person stating his illness, also if carrying a phone same thing ICE with best number to contact. Medical and police personnel will normally check ICE contacts. Also a whistle that is quite noisy is good so people can hear signs of distress. Wear it on a languard or something. Until they admit they are becoming lost, it's the most preventative measures I can think of. Ok one more that may not be acceptable Neon jacket!! Always keep a picture of a recent pic of your parent, not when they were 30 years younger. They will be at least broadcasted on the news. Hope this helps a tad. Good luck!!
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I recently renewed Onstar for my car and my husband's truck, for he still drives locally. If I suspect he is lost, I can go to my car and call Onstar and they will tell me where he is, as well as they can talk to him and help him return home.

So far he hasn't lost his way.....but I am not sure if this is workable or not..marymember
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My husband's doctor suggested a medical ID. Since he never was one for jewelry, I chose the key chain option. I just put his name, memory, his meds for it and my cellphone. Recently he got lost because of all the tourists where he walks confusing him. Two ladies looked at his wallet which has nothing of value in it (I took care of that months ago). They called me and I went over and got him. They told me to go with him but they have no idea -- I have allergies. My allergy to grass and ragweed is off the charts. I was surprised your dad is afraid of getting lost because my husband pooh poohs that and usually is in denial about his illness. He often walks to the church nearby and brings home things that they give away free. Gosh it reminds me of a golden retriever at the shore who retrieved things out of other people's yards. The owners had a box on their porch and you could go look and see if the dog took anything of yours. He took a beach towel right off of the clothesline one day...
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I got a cell phone for my mom years ago and track her via her phone - gps. Plus her phone has only the important phone numbers so if anything happens a person can use her phone to call us and she does not have to remember the numbers. Turned out our family loves the feature and we all have it turned on and we can see where each is without constant calling/texting to ask where are you? (was great when my son was a teenager too)
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In addition to the suggestions above, there is a type of GPS shoe that you can get and which indeed does work. The challenge is that you need to charge them every day. But they are regular shoes with velcro straps (Aetrex Navistar). There a slight bulge at the back of one shoe which is where you charge the GPS unit built into the shoe. My problem has been my mother is stuck on wearing the same pair of shoes from a long time ago, and it has been some degree of familiarity for her, so we haven't been able to get her to change shoes yet. I expect I will use eventually to get her to use the GPS shoes this summer as the weather gets better. There is also company (GTX Corp) making a GPS insole device to go into existing shoes. I had hoped that would be here by now, but it isn't. GTX provides the GPS for both the shoes and the insoles. I also have a GPS tracker for her purse, but that has annoyed her more than anything.
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What a coincidence, the wandering. My mom wandered out the door yesterday afternoon for the first time; she's been living with me for about a year now (I was working as per usual back in my bedroom and didn't hear her open the door with the 3 locks on it, which was remarkable, and I do check on her often as she's usually watching TV out front, and I break for dinner). Long story short, a policeman pulled up in his car with her in the front seat. A man in the neighborhood saw her in her slippers and and apparently also alerted the police. I'm checking into the city program, not sure about an ID bracelet and waiting for the neurologist office to call me back about a med change. After checking the price of this GPS shoe (if I read one ad correctly, could be talking $399 plus?, and she'd never keep that shoe on or a bracelet, for that matter), I'm more apt to go with a half tab of mirtazapine late this afternoon should I not hear from the doc. Will be checking into door or mat alarms, I guess.
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excellent suggestions..may I add some more.Add some alarms for the doors,you can get them at the hardware store or dollar stores.Loud enough any neighbors would hear and come running.Also the GPS system is excellent, I also heard (check this out if it is for real) a hat that has a GPS system in the band.The ankle bracelet cannot be removed but depending on the system may need recharging once in a while.Absolutely give his description and picture etc to the local PD. Let the local businesses aware so if he wanders in and looks confused they can help him faster.I know personally a family that bought a multitude of Clappers to put on items so they could find them after their Mom lost them,misplaced them..good luck
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A little tidbit on Albert Eisenstein who was absent minded: Someone once called the dean's office for directions. "How do I get to Albert Einstein's home?" the caller asked. When the man at the dean's office said he couldn't give out those directions, there was a pause on the other end. Then, a sigh, and a response: "This is Albert Einstein. I got lost walking home from the campus."

I also heard this was common from a friend who use to live down the street from Mr. Einstein. The police were always giving him a ride home.

As for bringing home items on trash day... I use to do that as a kid... I always thought why is someone throwing out this, it is still useful. I found it fun, like a treasure hunt. I personally wouldn't stop your Dad from doing this, he's getting good exercise and keeps his brain busy.... store the items for him unless you think this will develop into a hoarding situation.
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Our county has what is called Project Lifesaver. I believe it's a free program administered through the county. You can contact your local police department. I was a volunteer at the PD in Community Affairs and while we administered the program, before the county took it over, we saved many people. It's worth checking into.
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I have a GPS device for my dog. It clips on his collar and tells me as soon as he gets out of a zone. It sends me texts and emails. Not sure if they make these devices for people. It only cost $6.99 a month. There is the problem of his knowing when it is safe to cross the street or his picking up items that people may still want. Also his safety in general as if he encounters the wrong sort of people he could be victimized easily. I had to stop my Mom from walking alone when she began to fall.
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The local Sheriff's department here provides a device that goes around the ankle, and cannot be removed. It contains a GPS tracking chip. The problem with the shoes is that he may decide to wear a different pair or none at all. My understanding is that there is no charge for the GPS service from the Sheriff's department. And it is County Sheriff, not local PD that do this.
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If Dad balks at wearing an ID tag/bracelet, you can buy them in "dog tag" style to wear around the neck; he may be more willing to wear something that looks like army-issue dog tags!
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I guess another option would be to put a label inside his clothing (on shirt collar) or inside pants back where the normal label is. Of course not everyone would think to look there. yes dealing with father constantly moving things, wondering who did, my mom tells him he did and he disagrees, she gets upset and the cycle repeats itself.
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Check with your local sheriff's department. Where I live they have a program that provides a monitoring device. They are not bothered by having to assist families in this way....it's their project and they are trained on how to help.
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He can't go on walks alone anymore. Chips and the police sound like good ideas, but that is a waste of their time. He might cross the street and get hit by a car. No one said it was easy.
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