Fake Bus Stop Prevents Alzheimer's Patients from Running Away

A German nursing home got tired of having to call on the police to retrieve Alzheimer's patients who ran away (to their often non-existent homes and families), so they came upon a brilliant idea: install a fake bus stop outside!

"It sounds funny but it helps," said Franz-Josef Goebel, the chairman of the "Old Lions" association.

"Our members are 84 years old on average. Their short-term memory hardly works, but the long-term memory is still active.

"They know the green and yellow bus sign and remember that waiting there means they will go home."

The result is that errant patients now wait for their trip home at the bus stop, before quickly forgetting why they were there in the first place.

"We will approach them and say that the bus is coming later and invite them in for a coffee," said Richard Neureither, Benrath's director. "Five minutes later they have completely forgotten they wanted to leave."

Link


Newest 5
Newest 5 Comments

I'm, amazed that works. Then again the mental institution that my friend works at has a fire extinguisher labeled "crazy purple knock out gas." Violent incidents went down after they introduced that.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Yeah, Corey Ellis. Nobody cares.

Sounds like an excellent idea, if it really works. I wonder, though, how many non-Alzheimer's patients have been duped by it.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
That's a good idea. My grandfather had Alzheimer's and tried running away many times. After he learned that there was no bus stop or taxi pickup nearby, he tried walking as far as he could. Something like this should be almost necessary.
Abusive comment hidden. (Show it anyway.)
Login to comment.




Email This Post to a Friend
"Fake Bus Stop Prevents Alzheimer's Patients from Running Away"

Separate multiple emails with a comma. Limit 5.

 

Success! Your email has been sent!

close window
X

This website uses cookies.

This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using this website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

I agree
 
Learn More