Wanderguards & Pacemakers

You're right, there's not much info on the wanderguard technology ... but thanks for raising that issue.

I would assume it would be the same principle as with security devices used in department stores (a magnetic thingamajig). For which case magnets (of this intensity anyway) should not be placed 6 inches near the pacemaker. It "may" cause interference but not a fatal malfunction. The pacemaker resumes normal activity after the magnet source is removed. If the resident sleeps with his hand (with the wanderguard) resting on his chest all night .... that could be a problem???

Anyhow, this pacemaker site have some info on gadgets which may or may not cause interference. Hmmm, I always thought microwave ovens do...

http://www.medtronic.com/brady/patient/quicklook.html

It depends on how strong the magnet is I suppose.Can you put the Wander Gaurd on the pts. ankle?

There is a wanderguard device that I worked with when we first got it put in. I was reading the Manufacturer information about it and had a sample policy to use- it specifically said the device should be worn on the ankle and not the wrist. It didn't say why though. After reading that I always put them on the ankles- you could be up for liability if you're not following the manufacterers directions. Try calling the company and get some information about your system . That might have hat you're lookng for.

Where I work we have a locked behavior management unit and residents do have care trak's, if that's the same as a wander guard, it has no adverse affects on residents with pacemakers thus far. We put them on the ankles of the resident's. Dont' know if this helps. . . .

Everywhere I've worked the residents wore them on the ankle. Maybe you need to move the system at the door lower.

Noney

We manufacture the Accutech ResidentGUARD and believe we did some testing with the FCC and UL some years back to make sure our tags would not interfere with pacemakers.

I would imagine/hope that the wanderguard tag had to go through similar testing!