Sundowning in dementia or Alzheimer’s patients can be difficult enough to manage in the home but can become a real issue for larger residential facilities where many patients may display the behavior simultaneously.

“It’s a big problem for caregivers.  Patients can get aggressive and very disruptive,” said Tracy Bedrosian, lead author of the study and a doctoral student in neuroscience at Ohio State University. One of the theories about sundowning is that it is tied to disruptions that often occur in the biological clocks of older people, where their sleep-wake cycles are fragmented.

Studies done on aged mice showed an excess amount of a particular enzyme, acetylcholinesterase, a vital element of nerve activity, before sleep than earlier in the day. Heightened levels are associated with anxiety, confusion and agitation. Researchers found comparable behaviors in these mice to the dementia patients with regards to attention, emotion and arousal. Middle-aged mice in the study showed no time of day difference in their acetylcholinesterase levels. This study may hold promise of a treatment to combat sundowning and make dementia patients more comfortable and reduce their stress levels.

So while research is ongoing what can be done in the meantime to combat sundowning? There are several steps that can be taken that may reduce the effect and keep a patient calm.

• The increase in activity at end of day shift changes may increase the effect of sundowning so distractions may be used to occupy patients and reduce confusion.
• Serve dinner early and limit sugar and caffeine to early in the day.
• Keep a light on during the night to reduce confusion in an unfamiliar location.
• Encourage family or other loved ones to bring items that are familiar and comforting for a patient. Photographs with images of both the patient and loved ones together will encourage a feeling of belonging or grounding and may decrease agitation.

Higher levels of agitation may increase a patient’s urge to wander. It’s estimated that 31,000 Alzheimer’s patients will wander each year and they are unable to reasonably judge dangerous situations or places.  It’s imperative that systems be in place to reduce the chances of wandering patients and keep them in a safe environment. Accutech’s ResidentGuard wander management systems give dementia patients the ability to move freely while still preventing them from leaving a facility. RFID (radio frequency identification) technology can give both staff and families the piece of mind that their loved one is protected and secure.  Accutech offers several systems as well as a system comparison chart to determine the system that’s appropriate for any facility.

Infant Protection Systems identify Plano hospital mix-up. Photo courtesy of flickr

Last week several news sources reported the recent “baby switch” at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital of Plano. The Houston Chronicle reported that two baby boys were returned to the wrong parents after circumcision. Neither one of the parents caught the mix-up. One mother even fed the wrong child. The switch wasn’t identified until a nurse performing an infant hearing test typed in the security band numbers 3 hours later and realized the baby boy was not with the right family.

How did This Baby Switch Happen?

Even as a leading manufacturer of RFID-based infant protection systems, we struggled to comprehend how this mix-up occurred.

The Houston Chronicle’s report from the Associated Press stated:
“The infants had been circumcised at about the same time last month and their code numbers — 27988 and 27980 — were similar. They were placed in the wrong cribs in the nursery when they came back from the surgeries.”

The hospital attributed the mix-up to human error.

How to Prevent a Baby Switch In Your Hospital

Columnist Katie Fairbank from the Dallas Morning News points out that,

“Summary data reported voluntarily by hospitals to the Joint Commission shows that only two infants were discharged to the wrong families since 2004.”

Our infant protection systems keep these cases low. Even with outstanding hospital security protocols, this story reminds us of the attention and detail it takes to keep your hospital secure. Protection systems must not only be implemented; but hospital staff and volunteers must also be properly trained.

The Plano hospital made public statements, ensuring that “in addition to the re-education of staff, volunteers are no longer transporting newborns back to the room.”

We’re encouraged by the commitment of the hospital to infant security, the effectiveness of infant security bands to identify a critical error, and that each baby boy was quickly returned to the right family.

Learn more about our recommended best practices for securing infants at your hospital.

• The infant protection system needs to have the capability to identify an infant by name, room and tag I.D. number, log events, and create reports. The Cuddles infant protection system has a mother/baby match feature which causes an infants’ tag to light up when in close vicinity to his/her mother. Our easy-to-use software enables you to activate tags, admit and discharge patients and generate reports more simply and quickly than ever before, including alarm information with complete history. Most important is that our systems are not software dependent and will continue to function even if the computer goes down.

• A robust infant security system should have the capability of self supervision and a centralized location to visually monitor problems and alerts. The Cuddles infant protection system features a supervisor alarm which can notify your staff of loitering, door-ajar, and tag supervision as well as band removal. It notifies your staff if the tag antenna(s) or receiver antenna is defective, wires are cut, de-tuned, tampered with or damaged and is in need of attention while in a monitored zone.

• The infant band needs to be flexible and made of a soft material – providing maximum comfort for the infant without sacrificing security. The Cuddles Soft Bracelet is a light-weight, non-allergenic, self-adjusting band that fits snugly and comfortably around the ankle or wrist. Made of an ultra-soft polyester blend, the bracelet won’t cut or chafe the skin, and won’t fall off due to movement or changes in weight. In the event of removal or cutting, the Soft Bracelet immediately activates an alarm—preventing abductions and ensuring the continued safety and security of the infant wearing it.

• Antennas used in the receiving equipment should not be affected by antenna orientation. Accutech utilizes high quality antennas capable of sensing RFID tags regardless of the orientation and triggering the appropriate alert – assuring facility administrators that the little patients under their care are protected 100% of the time.

• With any RFID system, the transmitter frequency needs to be high enough to prevent it from being adversely affected by other electronic equipment in the facility. Our RFID technology uses the 418 MHz frequency – on the high end of the consumer radio frequency spectrum – preventing false alarms caused by other electronic devices. Accutech Cuddles infant protection systems experience the lowest rate of false alarms in the industry, allowing your staff to spend more time caring for your little patients and less time trouble-shooting systems. Our tags contain a “morse code of data” that will only cause the door controller to alarm when it detects the 418 MHz frequency AND the “intelligent” data that is contained in the tag.

• Delayed egress capability. The Accutech Cuddles infant protection system features complete fire panel interfacing with NFPA magnetic door locks.

• Fulfillment of FCC, NFPA, NEC and UL requirement. All Accutech health-care related security products fulfill these requirements.

• It is critical that the infant security system you choose is backed by a reputable company and comprehensive service agreement. Accutech offers free 24-hour technical support, free on-site training and software updates, and a one-year, non-prorated warranty on all parts and services. Accutech has been a leading manufacturer of advanced electronic monitoring and security systems for the health care industry since 1985. All Accutech systems are manufactured in the U.S., installed and serviced by a vast network of authorized dealers, and backed by the industry’s most comprehensive customer support program.

This recent headline serves as a reminder of the need for hospital administrators to ensure that the babies entrusted to their care are safe and secure from a variety of threats – including abduction. Fortunately, this baby was recovered in under four hours through a rapid and coordinated effort by local police and hospital staff, but it provides an excellent example of how improper security precautions can lead to an abduction. As is often the case with airline tragedies, there were several red flags and human errors leading up to the event that could have prevented it. In this particular case, the final line of defense, an inadequate infant protection system, also failed:

“Both mother and child had been wearing a security bracelet that would sound if the baby left the MIU, but the child’s bracelet had been removed from his ankle and not triggered, leaving Arzate (the abductor) able to smuggle the baby out in a large purse.”

The Cuddles infant protection system from Accutech Security is designed to prevent this type of failure by combining patented tags and fail-safe soft bracelets with advanced RFID technology. The Cuddles infant protection system Soft Bracelet is a light-weight, non-allergenic, self-adjusting band that fits snugly and comfortably around a new born’s ankle or wrist. If the soft bracelet is cut or removed, it immediately activates an alarm—preventing abductions and ensuring the continued safety and security of the infant wearing it.

Our RFID-enabled Infant Tag ensures the safety of every infant under your care with these important features:

• If the tag is cut off or tampered with, it immediately locks down the perimeter and/or activates an alarm to alert your staff.
• Each tag is uniquely identifiable, giving you the ability to instantly match mother and baby.
• A red, pulsating LED serves as a continuous visual indication that the tag is active.
• The tag can be turned on or off at any time to conserve battery power.

In addition, multiple floor monitoring capability, a simple report generator, and tag supervision make Cuddles the most reliable, nurse-friendly infant protection product available in the health care security market today.

These are scary facts about a debilitating disease that has begun to affect more people than ever before and created a variety of issues for families of these victims. Wandering is one of the most dangerous elements associated with Alzheimer’s. When a person with Alzheimer’s leaves there home without any sense of direction or purpose, they can be stranded for days without any means to food, water, or shelter. It’s estimated that there are hundreds of wander-related deaths a year, with that number expected to grow into the thousands. In this article on CNN, there are several tips on how to limit Alzheimer wandering:

CNN How to limit Alzheimer’s wandering

The RFID wander management systems we manufacture fall into some of the solutions that CNN recommends.

Soft Bracelet – For safety and comfort

The Cuddles infant protection system Soft Bracelet is a light-weight, non-allergenic, self-adjusting band that fits snugly and comfortably around a new born’s ankle or wrist. Made of an ultra-soft polyester blend, the bracelet won’t cut or chafe the skin, and won’t fall off due to movement or changes in weight. In the event of removal or cutting, the Soft Bracelet immediately activates an alarm—preventing abductions and ensuring the continued safety and security of the infant wearing it.

Infant Tag – Designed to fit your smallest patients

Our RFID-enabled Infant Tag lets you know that every infant under your care is safe. Each tag is uniquely identifiable, giving you the ability to instantly match mother and baby. A red, pulsating LED serves as a continuous visual indication that the tag is active. The tag can be turned on or off at any time to conserve battery power. If the tag is cut off or tampered with, it immediately locks down the perimeter and/or activates an alarm to alert your staff. Our new design means greater comfort for the infant and easier cleaning for your staff, and the tag’s small size and light-weight construction mean it will never hinder the infant’s movement.

Self-Guided Software – Easy to use and free to update

Our self-guided software enables you to activate tags, admit and discharge patients and generate reports more simply and quickly than ever before. No enrollment is necessary for instant protection, and on-site staff training can be completed in minutes. Multi-floor monitoring capabilities are available, and the software can be updated for free to ensure that you’re always operating with the latest features and benefits.

Secure Tag Activator / De-activator – Maximum control at minimum cost

By enabling you to turn tags on and off based on usage, our STAD extends tag life and lowers the total cost of ownership of your system. The device provides universal activation capabilities, secured with unique user codes. Small, portable and easy to use, our STAD features a streamlined design with an integrated touch keypad interface.

Cuddles infant protection system benefits include:

• Mother/baby match
• Simple report generator
• Multiple floor monitoring capability
• Unique patient-to-floor transfer feature
• Tag supervision
• Full spectrum of upgradeable security platforms
• Loiter, door-ajar and supervisor notification
• Dual-conditioning to prevent false alarms
• Alarm information with complete history
• Option of corporate, government and GPO pricing, as well as bulk on select products
• Fulfillment of FCC, NFPA, NEC and UL requirements
• Low-interference 418 MHz frequency
• Complete fire panel interfacing with NFPA magnetic door locks
• Free 24-hour technical support
• One-year, non-prorated warranty on all parts and services
• Free on-site training and software updates

Each zone monitored by the Accutech ResidentGuard IS3200 wander management system is defined and configured to balance the safety of the residents monitored, their need for security and ease-of-use among the care providers. This solution notifies your staff which resident (as well as door location) is causing any/every wandering alarm. All Accutech wander alert systems can be integrated with nurse call, electronic access control (EAC), closed-circuit television (CCTV), fall detection and other existing security mechanisms within your facility.

A wandering (door) alarm alerts your staff when a door opens and a resident wearing a tag is detected in the monitored area. The resident’s identity and zone location are communicated to your staff via the IS3200 server computer. A local audible and visual alarm also occurs at the zone location. Reset needs to occur at the location of the event, forcing staff to respond to this possible elopement. Only authorized users (care providers) are able to escort a tagged resident beyond a monitored door location without an alarm occurring.

The loiter alarm notifies your staff if a tag is in a monitored zone for too long (with a minimum setting of 10 seconds and a maximum of 110). This is also recorded and logged into the server computer for future reports. The resident’s identity and zone location are saved to the IS3200 computer(s). Typically, this alarm is automatically reset when the loitering resident is moved out of the zone location.

The door ajar alarm notifies your staff if a door in a monitored zone has been held open for too long (with a minimum setting of 10 seconds and a maximum of 110). The zone location is saved to the IS3200 server computer. Typically, this alarm is automatically reset when the monitored door is closed.

The supervisor alarm notifies your staff if the tag antenna(s) or receiver antenna is defective, wires are cut, detuned, tampered with or damaged and is in need of attention while in a monitored zone. The software enables staff members access to reports designed for clinical, maintenance and administrative activities involving this resident safety solution. The zone location is also saved to the IS3200 server computer.

The low battery alarm indicates any tag(s) worn by residents that are transmitting a low battery signal when the tag enters any monitored zone. The resident’s identity and tag number are communicated to and displayed on the IS3200 server computer.

Benefits of the ResidentGuard IS 3200 Wander Management System include:
• Notification of staff if residents try to leave the facility or wander into restricted areas
• Easy-to-clean tags with LEDs to indicate when they are active
• Quick resident assignment
• Reduced costs due to long-life tags that can be turned on or off as necessary
• Lower cost of operation with free training and software updates
• Escort function
• Protection against elopement and loitering
• Compliance with NFPA, FCC, NEC and JCAHO requirements
• Free 24-hour technical support
• Full one-year warranty

For additional tips to prevent elopement, please see this blog post.

Accutech is a division of Innovative Control Systems, Inc. (ICS), an industry-leading supplier of quality security systems for over 25 years. Accutech provides RFID based Infant Protection and Patient Wanderer Security Systems. For more information, contact Chris Konicek at 10125 S. 52nd Street, Franklin, WI 53132, (414) 855-1121 or visit www.AccutechSecurity.com.

RFID stands for radio-frequency identification. It is a technology that transfers data from a small electronic tag with a microchip to a nearby reader device through radio waves. In the last 25 years, it has seen many industrial uses from shipping and transport to mobile payment systems, animal tracking and identification, inventory management, casino chip tracking, race timing, and a myriad of security applications. It is the technology behind Accutech ResidentGuard wander management systems – used by health facilities caring for patients suffering from dementia at risk of elopement.

Our ResidentGuard wander alert systems include hardware known as readers and tags. The IS 3200 system, ideal for nursing homes and long-term care facilities that want resident identification through a centralized system, also includes a software interface to utilize data stored on the tags to deliver our complete range of safety options. Accutech RFID tags contain two parts, an integrated circuit or microchip that stores and processes data and generates (modulates and demodulates) the radio frequency signal and an antenna that transmits the signal to the reader device.

Our ResidentGuard wander management systems have fixed readers – usually set up above entrances and exits – creating a cloud of RF energy that alerts your staff when a patient wearing a tag enters the zone. All three perimeter-based security systems may be integrated with nurse call, electronic access control (EAC), closed-circuit television (CCTV), fall detection and other existing security mechanisms within your facility.

Our tags are securely attached to comfortable, easy-to-clean, water-resistant wrist bands worn by patients similar to a watch. A portable, handheld unit allows your staff to control tag function, and each reusable band provides low-battery notification with LED indicator to easily inform them whether or not a tag is operational. Our tags can also be turned on or off as necessary, ensuring long battery life and minimal maintenance.

All ResidentGuard wander alert systems meet the compliance standards set by NFPA, FCC, NEC and JCAHO. Our RFID technology uses the 418 MHz frequency – on the high end of the consumer radio frequency spectrum – preventing false alarms caused by other electronic devices. Accutech ResidentGuard systems experience the lowest rate of false alarms in the industry, allowing your staff to spend more time caring for patients and less time trouble-shooting systems.

Accutech is the leading manufacturer of advanced electronic monitoring and security systems for the health care industry. Using advanced radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, our wander alert and control systems put your staff at ease while enabling them to direct their energies toward other critical tasks. Our three ResidentGuard systems provide your facility with the flexibility you need to meet your wander management needs with affordable, reliable and expandable solutions that provide increasing security options to notify your staff if residents try to leave the facility or wander into restricted areas.

Accutech is a division of Innovative Control Systems, Inc. (ICS), an industry-leading supplier of quality security systems for over 25 years. Accutech provides RFID based Infant Protection and Patient Wanderer Security System. For more information, contact Chris Konicek at 10125 S. 52nd Street, Franklin, WI 53132, (414) 855-1121 or visit www.AccutechSecurity.com.

As the baby boom generation ages, the United States is undergoing a demographic change that is leading to a dramatic increase in the need for skilled nursing facilities. A large part of this need is driven by an increase in the number of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Long term care for patients with all forms of dementia requires wander alert systems to protect against the risk of elopement. As a leading manufacturer of health care related security systems, Accutech is positioned to continue capitalizing on this trend in the market with their line of ResidentGuard wander management systems.

An estimated 5.3 million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. The vast majority of these people, 5.1 million, are senior citizens. This means that one out of eight people age 65 and older (13 percent) has Alzheimer’s disease. By the year 2030, baby boomers–77 million strong–will account for 20% of the total population in the United States, and health experts estimate that at least 10 million will develop Alzheimer’s. Barring medical advancements that provide a means to prevent and treat the disease more effectively, this number is expected to grow to between 11 and 16 million people by 2050. The demand for professional care to meet the specific needs of this population will mean a significant growth in the capacity of acute care hospitals, long term care facilities and assisted living facilities.

Care of patients suffering from all forms of dementia requires preventive safety measures including wander alert systems–the risk of elopement in this patient population is well known. In order to assure the loved ones of patients who have entrusted their care to a long term care facility, as well as to protect themselves against punitive litigation, facilities must mitigate this risk with perimeter-based security and monitoring systems. Businesses who provide residential care to patients suffering from dementia face extensive regulatory requirements as well as legal threats dealing with elopement–10% of litigation against long term care facilities involve an elopement, with an average out-of-court settlement of $393,650.00 in 2009.

The ResidentGuard LC 1200 System is an entry-level solution for facilities that need quick, cost-effective patient monitoring capabilities. It can be implemented as a stand-alone or centralized system and can be installed and serviced by a facilities maintenance department. All ResidentGuard wander management systems can interface into existing card access systems, locks, CCTV and elevator deactivation systems. To protect against false alarms, Accutech RFID technology utilizes the low-interference, 418 MHz frequency–unusually high on the consumer spectrum–preventing false alarms from interference caused by other electronic devices. Accutech ResidentGuard systems experience the lowest rate of false alarms in the industry, allowing a long term care facility’s staff to spend more time caring for patients and less time trouble-shooting systems.

About Accutech

Accutech has engineered, manufactured, distributed and serviced radio frequency identification (RFID) and wireless products since 1985. They are an industry leader in the infant protection systems, resident wandering and pediatric elopement fields, with ongoing development, implementation and integration of healthcare related security systems. Their markets primarily consist of hospitals, birthing centers, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing homes, sub-acute facilities and even residential homes. All Accutech systems are manufactured in the U.S., and backed by the industry’s most comprehensive customer support program.

An estimated 5.3 million Americans currently suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. The vast majority of these people, 5.1 million, are senior citizens. This means that one out of eight people age 65 and older (13 percent) has Alzheimer’s disease. Baby Boomers–77 million strong–are soon to reach retirement age and have the highest life expectancy of any generation in American history. By the year 2030 they will account for 20% of the total population in the United States, and health experts estimate that at least 10 million will develop Alzheimer’s. Barring medical advancements that provide a means to prevent and treat the disease more effectively, this number is expected to grow to between 11 and 16 million people by 2050. The demand for professional care to meet the specific needs of this population will mean a significant growth in the capacity of acute care hospitals, long term care facilities and assisted living facilities.

Care of patients suffering from all forms of dementia requires preventive safety measures including wander management–the risk of elopement in this patient population is well known. In order to assure the loved ones of patients who have entrusted their care to a long term care facility, as well as to protect themselves against punitive litigation, facilities must mitigate this risk with perimeter-based security and monitoring systems. Businesses who provide residential care to patients suffering from dementia face extensive regulatory requirements as well as legal threats dealing with elopement–10% of litigation against long term care facilities involve an elopement, with an average out-of-court settlement of $393,650.00 in 2009.

Accutech is the leading manufacturer of advanced electronic monitoring and security systems, backed by the industry’s most comprehensive customer support program. Using advanced radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, our perimeter-based security systems put your staff at ease while enabling them to direct their energies toward other critical tasks, all while meeting the compliance standards of the NFPA, FCC, NEC and JCAHO. Our three ResidentGuard  wander management systems give Alzheimer’s, dementia and other “at-risk” residents the ability to move freely around your facility while receiving the protection they need and their families count on. All three systems may also be integrated with nurse call, electronic access control (EAC), closed-circuit television (CCTV), fall detection and other existing security mechanisms within your facility.

Long term care facilities whose patients suffer from dementia require technology to help monitor those at risk for elopement while maintaining the maximum therapeutic environment. Wander management is one of many systems required to meet the demands of this patient population and it is critical that the system be easy to use–with a minimal amount of support and training required–that it is reliable, unobtrusive and comfortable for the patient, cost effective and expandable. Accutech ResidentGuard systems meet these needs with a lower cost of operation–free training and software updates, free 24-hour technical support– and easy-to-clean, long-life tags that can be turned on or off as necessary with LEDs to indicate when they are active. Our three systems provide you with the flexibility you need to meet your wander management needs with affordable, reliable and expandable solutions that provide increasing security options to notify your staff if residents try to leave the facility or wander into restricted areas.

The ResidentGuard IS 3200 System is a software-enhanced solution designed to deliver our complete range of safety options coupled with intuitive, easy-to-use functionality. The system is ideal for nursing homes and other facilities in which resident identification, loiter prevention and door-ajar monitoring are necessary to provide the appropriate levels of security. Our mid-level system, the ES 2200, provides many of the key benefits of the IS 3200 System—including loiter and door-ajar monitoring—but without the need for a computer. This software-free system is easy to use and can be installed and serviced by your maintenance personnel. It can also be upgraded to an IS 3200 system should your needs grow over time. The ResidentGuard LC 1200 Wander Alert System is the ideal entry-level solution for facilities that need quick, cost-effective patient monitoring capabilities. It can be implemented as a stand-alone or centralized system, installed and serviced by your maintenance personnel. All of ResidentGuard wander management systems can interface into existing card access systems, locks, CCTV and elevator deactivation systems and come with a one year warranty.

In the demanding environment of a long term care facility, systems need to be reliable and accurate. False alarms and faulty and/or difficult to use equipment quickly becomes an annoyance to a facility’s staff and a detriment to patients’ care. Common problems with wander management systems include ineffectiveness and false alarms. Accutech ResidentGuard systems have several unique features to ensure effectiveness. The bands worn by residents are easily managed by your staff using a secure tag activator/deactivator and have LED indicators to show when they are active–a cut band detection option is also available. To protect against false alarms, our RFID technology utilizes the low-interference, 418 MHz frequency–unusually high on the consumer spectrum–preventing false alarms from interference caused by other electronic devices. Accutech ResidentGuard systems experience the lowest rate of false alarms in the industry. This allows your staff to spend more time caring for patients and less time trouble-shooting systems.

As the population in the United States ages and the need for skilled nursing homes rises dramatically, cost effective wander management systems that are dependable, expandable, and easy to operate and install are essential to the safe and compliant operation of the facilities that will provide this care. Understanding and meeting these needs with systems that assist caregivers instead of distracting them is critical to maintaining the safety of these patients. Using advanced RFID technology, our ResidentGuard wander management systems put your staff at ease while enabling them to direct their energies toward other critical tasks.

Accutech has engineered, manufactured, distributed and serviced radio frequency identification products in since 1985, making us a clear leader in the development, implementation and integration of healthcare-related security systems. As Accutech continues to shape the industry, we strive to learn and achieve what saves our customers time and money, while maintaining the dignity and safety of all the residents and patients whose safety is partially entrusted to one of our ResidentGuard wander management systems.