Forgetfulness and varying degrees of dementia often go together with aging. An elderly person might decide to go for an evening stroll and become hopelessly lost because they forget which turns and which direction they went. Being lost is terrifying and dangers. A GPS tracker for the elderly helps you quickly locate your loved one.
The Benefits of a GPS Tracker for Elderly Individuals
Alzheimer’s disease slowly erases a person’s memory. Familiar surroundings are forgotten and the ability to adapt to new environments becomes almost impossible.
It is not uncommon for elderly people to start to wander. They forget where they were going or how to get home. Often, they start to become frightened and agitated because a simple walk turns into a nightmare as they try to figure out how to return home.
A GPS tracker for elderly people is an indispensable tool that keeps your loved ones safe. If they wear the tracking device, you can quickly locate them. A personal GPS tracker also takes the fear out of leaving the house for many in their golden years.
Purchasing a GPS Tracker or Using a GPS App
Depending on the level of dementia or forgetfulness that your loved one suffers from, you might be able to use a smartphone app instead of purchasing a dedicated senior tracking device.
If the senior knows how to use the smartphone and regularly carries one, then an app is ideal. It has GPS features and allows you to keep an eye on the senior at any time.
Most of the apps have a button icon on the phone that the senior can also push if they are in trouble and need assistance. The app will call you immediately.
Most of GPS tracking apps for seniors have a yearly subscription fee. Depending on the app, it can also have fall alert, or inactivity trackers to help keep your loved one safe. However, sadly, some dementia and Alzheimer’s disease suffers might be unable to carry or use a smartphone so will require a GPS tracker.
GPS Tracking Technology Provides Peace of Mind
GPS technology has become a standard in medical alert services. It allows you to track the whereabouts of your aging loved one day or night. You don’t have to call to check up repeatedly throughout the day.
While wearing a GPS tracker, the senior can continue living an independent lifestyle while having the security of obtaining help immediately if needed.
Keep Track with a GPS Tracker
If your loved one goes out for a walk and is taking longer to return than usual, you can use the tracker to see their exact location and make sure they are on course. Some GPS trackers will also send you alerts if your loved one wanders past a predetermined zone.
GPS Tracker Features
There are many types and brands of GPS trackers available. Here are a few features to consider when picking the best GPS tracker:
Design
GPS trackers are designed to be worn as bracelets, watches, soles, and necklaces.
Monthly Fees
Many brands of GPS trackers have monthly fees that you must figure into your budget. The fees are because the tracker relies on cellular technology to find the exact location and then send you the information.
You can buy GPS trackers that have no monthly fees but their services and ability to pinpoint a location might be limited.
Added Features
GPS trackers are available with a bevy of features such as watches. Some are dual fitness devices that offer health metrics and other physical measurements such as heart rate. Most GPS
Trackers have an SOS emergency button. They may also be equipped with two-way calling or audio monitoring.
Tracking Capabilities
A GPS tracker that could track nationwide might be more expensive than a short-range GPS. However, if your loved one only goes on short local walks and does not travel then a short-range GPS will suffice.
Low Battery Alert
Many seniors forget to charge a device or replace the batter. A GPS tracker with a low battery alert will let you know if the battery is becoming weak on the wearable GPS device so you can take charge and change/charge the battery before it goes dead.
Support
It is imperative that you choose a GPS tracker brand that offers superior customer service. You do not want to work with a difficult technical support team when there could be a situation that requires immediate attention.
Top 5 Innovative GPS Trackers for Elderly
Technology is always changing and evolving. This list is the current leading GPS trackers for elderly individuals. Each one has its pros and cons.
This is an interesting device that fits into the shoe of an elderly person. The device lets you keep track of the wearer using your smartphone, computer, or tablet.
The sole has GPS technology with real-time syncing. You can have a detailed report with complete location history. You can even set a safe boundary radius that alerts you if your loved one ventures past the programmed perimeter.
The MedicAlert system was a groundbreaking device that reached out to emergency responders with the touch of a button. However, the upgraded device is now worn as a bracelet and helps caregivers obtain the location of the missing person by calling a hotline.
The device also features medical information imprinted on its surface for first responders, emergency room personnel, and physicians to peruse when necessary. The device requires a subscription plan.
The design of the MindMe Locate GPS tracker is very simple. It has no flashing lights or multitude of features, but it is the world’s smallest and lightest live GPS tracker. The device sends position, speed, and direction through the cellular network directly to your app on a smartphone.
Trax has the reputation of being the most lightweight and smallest GPS tracker. It relies on the cellular network to provide the wearer’s position.
The device has a clip to attach it to clothing or other items. You can set fences with the device so if your loved one crosses an alert will be tripped. There is no size limit on the virtual perimeter fence that can be programmed so you can make a radius of several blocks if your loved one enjoys going for walks.
The Revolutionary Tracker is not only GPS capable but also has an SOS button that the senior can depress in the event of an emergency. The device offers real-time tracking. The senior wears the GPS within a watch. You can also track more than one loved one at a time.
A GPS tracker for elderly loved ones are an excellent resource for caregivers. You can rest easy knowing that you can effortlessly find the wearer if they should wander off. Subscribing to a GPS tracking service can be a true lifesaver and an investment in safety.