GPS Tracking for The Elderly with Dementia in Virginia Beach, VA, and Surrounding Communities

It's natural to fear that an elderly loved one may go lost or "wander" if they're exhibiting symptoms of dementia or memory loss. Six out of ten people with dementia will wander at least once, and others may wander many times, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

Technology, such as GPS trackers for the elderly, may provide a solution to the problem of a missing or wandering elderly person. You can keep track of your loved one's whereabouts, actions, and danger level with the aid of these devices.

What Advantages Do GPS Trackers Bring to Seniors in the Greater Virginia Beach, VA, Area?

Keeping tabs on an elderly family member's movements is as easy as attaching a GPS tracker to an item of clothing, an accessory, or a piece of luggage. The tracking gadgets utilize satellites in the same way as a smartphone's or a car's navigation system's GPS does, so they can always tell you exactly where your elderly loved one is.

You may also set up your GPS tracker to give you an immediate alarm if your loved one leaves a certain area, such as their house or a "safe zone." Several of them contain emergency buttons in case your elderly relative goes lost or needs assistance.

What Options Do Seniors Have for GPS Trackers?

With the increasing availability of GPS-enabled mobile phones, it is now possible to locate a missing elderly person. If your older relative also has access to a smartphone and has activated the necessary settings for monitoring, then the technology may be useful.

These days, there are GPS monitoring alternatives for seniors and their loved ones that go well beyond what can be done with a cell phone.

Some potential choices are:

Smartwatches

If your loved one always has their watch on, you may easily track their whereabouts with a GPS-enabled wristwatch. An elderly relative's location may be tracked with the use of a smartphone app that syncs with the majority of modern smartwatches. Smartwatches are also able to monitor vitals, including heart rate, sleep quality, and activity levels.

Security Wristbands

Your senior family member may be outfitted with a bracelet that will trigger an alarm if they leave a designated "safety zone." If your elderly relative is prone to straying or collapsing, you may rest easy knowing that you or a caretaker can enroll them in one of these alarm systems via the local public safety department.

Wearable and Attachable GPS Devices

If your elderly loved one feels uncomfortable with the idea of wearing a watch or bracelet, there are a variety of options that may be hidden in a pocket, linked to a keychain, or stowed in a bag. Some of the features that may be available on devices like this include two-way communication, boundary alarms, panic buttons, and connection to a smartphone app that gives real-time mapping.

What should I check for when picking out a GPS tracking device?

The following should be considered while picking up a GPS tracking device for your aging relative:

Cost

When calculating the entire cost of the system, don't forget to include the activation and subscription costs.

Access to Information

While satellite technology is used by the vast majority of family monitoring systems, certain devices and apps need cellular or internet connectivity.

Range

Determine if your senior needs local, regional, national, or international coverage based on where they often go. Think about whether or not you can put limits on the system and get notifications if they are broken.

Notifications

The app's notification system might be an integrated element of it, or it could be a separate aspect of the system altogether. Battery warnings, speed warnings, movement warnings, and boundary warnings are all examples of alerts that might be set up for your loved one.

Hiring a Caregiver from Visiting Angels of Virginia Beach is a Potential Choice

When an experienced caregiver is on hand, the likelihood of straying or getting lost decreases, but having a GPS monitoring device may provide additional piece of mind and protection for your loved one. Our team is here to provide overnight care and monitoring to make sure your loved one stays safe.

Contact Visiting Angels of Virginia Beach now to learn more about the dementia care programs we can tailor to your loved one's unique needs.