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6 Lifesaving Tracking Devices for Dementia Patients
Written by OurParents Staff
about the author
5 minute readLast updated February 5, 2024
When a loved one with memory loss or Alzheimer’s begins to wander — from leaving the house in the middle of the night to getting lost while driving — you may start to consider ways to keep a closer eye on them. Fortunately, a simple tracker for dementia patients can help them continue to enjoy their independence and move about freely as you keep watch from a distance.
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The importance of Alzheimer’s tracking devices
Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can impair a person’s memory so that familiar surroundings become unfamiliar, making it difficult to adapt to new environments. The disorientation associated with memory loss often leads to wandering, a common and serious concern as seniors may accidentally walk into a dangerous situation or become lost. Fortunately, there are many solutions to address wandering and help keep your loved one safe. One solution is to use a specifically designed dementia or Alzheimer’s tracking device with GPS capabilities to quickly and easily track your loved one who wanders.
Read more:Best Senior Home Monitoring Systems
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Best GPS trackers for dementia patients
The following list includes six lifesaving location devices for seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia who wander. These devices come in various forms, such as bracelets, shoe inserts, watches, and more, so be sure to choose an option that is compatible with your loved one’s lifestyle.
1. AngelSense
AngelSense provides a comprehensive view of your loved one’s activities, including comings and goings. This GPS tracker for dementia patients easily attaches to clothing and cannot be removed by the wearer. It provides a daily timeline of locations, routes, and transit speed and sends an instant alert to your phone if your loved one is in an unfamiliar place. You can also listen to what is happening around your loved one, receive an alert if your loved one has not left for an appointment on time, and communicate with them wherever they are.2. GPS Smart Sole
The GPS Smart Sole fits into most shoes and allows you to track your loved one from any smartphone, tablet, or web browser. The shoe insert is enabled with GPS technology and real-time syncing and provides a detailed location history report. You can also set up a radius for your loved one to ensure they stay in a designated safe location.3. Spark Nano 7
The Spark Nano 7 GPS Tracker is a portable device with all the features necessary to track your loved one, such as a geofence, associated alerts, and a user panic button. This device is small enough to slip into bags, backpacks, and pockets for easy tracking. You can access the app on your smartphone and check on your loved one’s location from anywhere in North America.4. iTraq Nano
iTraq’s newest device, the iTraq Nano, is marketed as the world’s smallest all-in-one tracking device with global tracking, up to four months of battery life on one charge, water and dust resistance, and wireless charging capabilities. The device also has an SOS button that will send an instant alert to your phone with your loved one’s precise location. Simply slip the steel ring onto your loved one’s belt or bag to keep track of their whereabouts seamlessly.5. PocketFinder Smart Tracker
The PocketFinder Smart Tracker slogan, “If you love it, locate it!” summarizes their philosophy and service offerings. The Smart Tracker is designed to be the smallest tracker on the market, and the device can fit in the palm of your hand. It has a battery life of up to one week and allows you to track your loved one through a user-friendly app. The app will deliver customized alerts when they arrive or leave certain locations. It also features an SOS button, so your aging parent can notify you immediately in an emergency.6. Project Lifesaver
The mission of Project Lifesaver is “to provide timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children who wander due to Alzheimer’s, autism, and other related condition or disorders.” Project Lifesaver helps public safety agencies set up location-based programs, undergo specialized training, and purchase tracking equipment for community use. Seniors with dementia must live in an area with an existing Project Lifesaver program and enroll to receive a transmitter and tracking services. Then, if they wander, you can call your local Project Lifesaver agency, and a trained team will respond to help locate them.
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Securing peace of mind with GPS tracking for seniors with dementia
Despite the challenges you face as a caregiver to someone with dementia, modern technology offers a lifeline. The array of gadgets available today, ranging from a specially designed GPS tracker for dementia to a dementia door alarm, can provide the security and independence your loved one needs to live comfortably. However, as dementia progresses, ensuring adherence to care routines and safety measures may become more challenging. When caring for your aging parent at home becomes increasingly demanding, consider opting instead for a long-term memory care facility where round-the-clock monitoring is provided. To explore suitable options for your loved one, connect with a Senior Care Advisor.
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