Have a loved one at risk of wandering out of the house or apartment? LoJack says it has a solution to this dangerous problem.
The Westwood, Mass. company—known for its stolen vehicle recovery products—has created LoJack SafetyNet, which can track and rescue people at risk of wandering, including those with Alzheimer's, autism, Down syndrome and dementia.
LoJack says the product could help the 5.2 million Americans who suffer from Alzheimer's right now—and the potential 16 million cases expected by 2050.
Wandering, one of the most life-threatening behaviors associated with Alzheimer's, affects 59 percent of patients and 45 percent of those cases end tragically in death if the person is not located within 24 hours. Additionally, autism, which is the fastest growing developmental disability that now afflicts one in every 150 babies born, can also cause children to wander.
"This delivers a much needed answer to the growing problem of people who are prone to life-threatening wandering," said Ronald V. Waters, president and chief executive officer of LoJack Corporation. "This offering is a natural extension of LoJack's family of products and services and takes our solutions beyond 'getting the bad guys' off the streets to now protecting those afflicted with cognitive disorders by helping return them safely to their loved ones and caregivers."
LoJack SafetyNet features a beacon wristband worn by the at-risk client, a search-and-rescue receiver for law enforcement, a database of key information about the clients to assist in search and rescue, 24x7 emergency caregiver support and mandatory training for law enforcement and public safety agencies.
The wristband constantly emits a radio frequency signal, which can be tracked regardless of where the person has wandered—even into a densely wooded area, a body of water, a concrete structure, or a building constructed with steel. The Radio Frequency signal enables police to pinpoint the precise location of the missing person using the handheld receiver. The receiver can actually detect the Radio Frequency signal from the wristband within a range of approximately one mile in on-the-ground searches and 5-7 miles in searches by helicopter. www.lojack.com.
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