How GPS Trackers Help Seniors With Dementia
If you have a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s, you likely have concerns about them wandering and getting lost. This concern is not unfounded–current data from the Alzheimer’s Association shows that six in ten people with Alzheimer’s will experience an episode of wandering. Thankfully, new technology has made it easy and affordable to keep track of your senior loved one with Alzheimer’s, even if they don’t live near you. A modern pocket-sized GPS tracker can let you keep tabs on your loved one to ensure they aren’t wandering away from home.
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How Do Personal GPS Trackers for Seniors Work?
Your senior loved one can carry a personal GPS tracker on their wrist, in their pocket, or in their backpack. This device will communicate with an application on your phone and provide you with real-time data, keeping you perpetually informed about your senior loved one’s location. Many software options even offer alarms that will notify you if your loved one steps outside of a marked safety boundary.
What Types of GPS Trackers Are Available for Seniors?
The most common type of easily portable GPS device is a smartphone. However, many seniors have a hard time keeping track of their phones and often forget to carry them when they leave home. Here are some alternatives that are even more convenient than a smartphone:
- Wristband alarm systemsThese lightweight devices clip around the wrist and provide constantly updating GPS tracking information. Given that they are attached to the wrist, they don’t require your loved one to remember to put them in their pocket or bag.
- SmartwatchesSmartwatches are similar to wristband alarms in that they are work on the wrist. However, these devices are typically more advanced and offer additional features outside of GPS tracking. To make tracking easier, you can pair your smartphone with your loved one’s smartwatch to give you convenient access to your loved one’s GPS data.
- Wearables and “attachables”If your senior struggles with sensory issues, they may have a hard time wearing a device on their wrist. Alternative wearable devices can be attached to an article of clothing–such as a jacket or a pair of pants–so that they don’t have to deal with uncomfortable sensations.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a GPS Tracking Device
When choosing a GPS unit for your senior loved one, there are several factors you need to consider. First, you must look at potential costs. Between hardware (the actual device) and software (the program on the device), some options can be far more expensive than others. Additionally, you should research each device’s alert options, tracking range, accessibility of data, and other important features.
How Can Visiting Angels Help?
At Visiting Angels of Chelsea, we offer in-home senior care services, including non-medical Alzheimer’s care and dementia care. We can help your loved one navigate the symptoms of dementia and provide them with emotional support for their memory loss. Best of all, we provide these services in your senior’s home, meaning they can continue to enjoy the comfortable, familiar environment it provides.
Schedule a Free Home Care Consultation Today
If you’d like to learn more about our in-home dementia caregivers, reach out to us via our online contact form or by phone at (617) 409-9039. From there, we can arrange a complimentary home care evaluation meeting to answer any questions you may have about our services. Contact us today to get started!