The Elder Abuse and Prevention Program employs the use of 50 GPS devices, which weigh less than two-and-a-half ounces each, to care for seniors who may not be able to manage on their own, ConnectMidMichigan.com reports.
"We're going to monitor this 24/7.
Twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week for our Alzheimer's and dementia people," Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell told the news provider.
The devices were purchased with $9,000 in federal grants and are clipped to the senior citizen's clothing, according to the article. On one charge, the device's battery lasts for approximately five days. If a senior goes missing, family members and police can log on to a website that maps a person's precise location.
"This is becoming such a huge concern as our population is increasing with seniors," Nims said about seniors wandering away from their home.
GPS devices may be a good idea for people with a senior family member who has a penchant for walking away from their retirement community or home.
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