Harry: Wandering in an 'Aged Care Facility' Setting

Harry*, a fit and active man with a diagnosis of dementia, began trying to get out of a Nursing Home as soon as he arrived.  The staff are constantly concerned for his safety, particularly as he is very fit and fast.  Recently he has been found in the grounds trying to scale fences and also trying to slip out with visitors.  Harry appears to be trying to get back to the gold fields where he was once a miner. The staff have taken to placing notices on all exterior doors to make visitors aware of the need to ensure Harry does not leave with them. They have also taken to constantly checking on him. However, they are aware that Harry needs exercise and are hesitant to keep him confined or to overly restrict his ability to move around the facility. 

Identified areas of concern

1. Even with the best of planning and preparation, staff are aware that some people will manage to leave the facility.  Making a facility safer from unauthorised exist often presents difficulty for the freedoms of other residents and can also provide an overly restrictive environment.
2. Staff are frequently faced with the dilemma of maintaining quality of life while trying to ensure the safety of the resident.  One thing staff do not want to create is a prison style environment.

How the 'Identification Assist' Safe Return Home system could help in situations like Harry’s.

1. Persons at high risk of wandering will obviously benefit from being registered on the Safe Return Home system.
2. Registration on the Safe Return Home system provides an added level of security should the Harry manage to give staff the slip. 
3. Given Harry’s potential to cover large distances, the Safe Return Home system has the capacity to assist on a state-wide or even national basis.  Broadcasts can be made by Police with registrants details instantly distributed district or state-wide. 
4. Panic and stress for both the facility staff and Harry’s family will be reduced as the information necessary to initiate a search will be immediately available to the Police.
5. The Safe Return Home system would help staff to feel more secure in allowing Harry some freedom, thereby helping to maintain his quality of life and general wellbeing.

*Harry is an assumed name to protect the privacy of this family.