AirTags Are Not Designed for Tracking People
While a small, affordable device like an AirTag might seem like a simple fix for locating a loved one who wanders, it's a deeply flawed solution for this purpose. Apple explicitly states that AirTags are for tracking inanimate objects like keys or luggage, not people. Several built-in safeguards and functional limitations make them unreliable and ethically problematic for monitoring vulnerable adults.
Why AirTags Fail as People Trackers
AirTags do not contain an integrated GPS receiver. Instead, they rely on a Bluetooth signal detected by nearby Apple devices in the 'Find My' network. Here's why this is a critical flaw when used for people:
- Inconsistent and unreliable location updates: The AirTag's location is only updated when another Apple device passes within its Bluetooth range. In sparsely populated areas, or if the individual moves through an area with no iPhone users nearby, the location data can be delayed, or worse, nonexistent. In a wandering emergency, every second counts, and a delayed location is a critical failure.
- Built-in anti-stalking features: To prevent misuse, Apple has built safeguards into AirTags. If an AirTag is separated from its owner and moving with an unknown person for an extended period, it will notify any nearby iOS device. It also begins playing a sound to alert the person being tracked. For a person with dementia who may not understand the device's purpose, this could cause confusion, fear, and agitation.
- Unreliable attachment: There's no foolproof way to ensure a person with dementia keeps an AirTag on them. They may not remember what it is and could easily take it off and discard it, rendering it useless in a critical moment.
Ethical and Privacy Concerns
Beyond the technical limitations, using an AirTag raises serious ethical questions regarding the autonomy and dignity of an individual with dementia.
- Lack of consent: While a caregiver's intentions may be noble, secretly tracking a person without their consent is a serious invasion of privacy. Even if the individual's dementia impairs their judgment, every effort should be made to involve them in the decision-making process whenever possible. Most state laws permit a legal representative to consent for an incapacitated adult, but proper legal documentation is required.
- Undermining trust: Discovering they are being tracked can lead to a profound sense of betrayal and erode the trust between the person with dementia and their caregiver. Maintaining trust is vital for effective care and emotional well-being.
Legal Implications
Unlawfully tracking another person is a crime in many jurisdictions. Laws vary by state, but the principle often hinges on consent. While caregivers of an incapacitated adult may be legally authorized to consent on their behalf for safety reasons, using a device designed for unintended purposes can open up legal vulnerabilities. Furthermore, as Apple's policy states, they can and will cooperate with law enforcement in cases of suspected criminal misuse of an AirTag, and the serial number is tied to the owner's Apple ID.
Dedicated GPS Trackers: The Better Solution
Fortunately, there is a class of devices specifically designed for the safe and ethical tracking of vulnerable individuals. Unlike AirTags, these devices use cellular and GPS technology to provide reliable, real-time location data and come with features tailored for senior care.
Comparison: AirTag vs. Dedicated GPS Tracker
| Feature | Apple AirTag | Dedicated Senior GPS Tracker |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking Method | Relies on proximity to other Apple devices via Bluetooth in the 'Find My' network. | Uses GPS and cellular network for real-time, long-range tracking. |
| Location Accuracy | Dependent on nearby Apple devices; not real-time, can be significantly delayed. | Real-time, highly accurate tracking updates, often every 10–60 seconds. |
| Safety Alerts | Anti-stalking alerts sound when moved after a long separation from the owner. | Customizable geofencing alerts notify caregivers when a person enters or leaves a preset 'safe zone'. |
| Wearability | Small, easily removable, not designed to be worn. Requires external holder. | Designed for discreet wear, such as watch bands, pendants, or shoe inserts. Locking clasps prevent removal. |
| Communication | None. Just a location ping and a chime. | Many offer two-way voice communication, and some feature an SOS button for emergencies. |
| Battery Life | Long (up to 1 year), but critical functions like alerts are limited. | Varies, but designed to last several days and send low-battery alerts to caregivers. |
| Ethics & Consent | High risk of privacy violations and legal issues due to design. | Explicitly designed for safety, with features that facilitate consent and proper use. |
Examples of Senior-Focused GPS Trackers
- AngelSense: This comprehensive tracker offers a tamper-proof design, two-way auto-answer speakerphone, and a daily timeline of locations and routes. It's often used for those with special needs or significant wandering risks.
- GPS SmartSole: For maximum discretion, this tracker is sealed within a shoe insole, ensuring it stays with the wearer. It provides real-time location updates and geofencing capabilities.
- Medical Guardian & Bay Alarm Medical: These services offer GPS-enabled mobile medical alert systems that double as tracking devices. Many include automatic fall detection and 24/7 professional monitoring.
Ethical Best Practices for Caregivers
If you decide to use a dedicated GPS tracker, it is important to do so with care and respect for the individual's dignity.
- Involve them in the process: If possible, discuss the use of a tracking device with your loved one. Emphasize its purpose as a safety tool, not a surveillance device. Explain it will help you find them if they get lost.
- Use discretion: Choose a device that is as discreet as possible, such as a watch or shoe insert, to minimize confusion or agitation.
- Establish clear protocols: Create an emergency plan with family and friends. Ensure everyone knows how to use the app and what steps to take if an alert is triggered. Regularly test the device and your emergency plan.
- Prioritize autonomy: A tracking device is a supplement to, not a replacement for, human supervision and respectful care. It is a last-resort tool for an emergency, not a tool for constant surveillance.
- Follow the law: Always ensure you are complying with your local and state laws regarding tracking devices. Consult with an attorney or elder care specialist if you have legal questions. For information on specific state laws, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) is a reputable resource. National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL)
Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety and Dignity
In summary, while the impulse to use an AirTag to track a loved one with dementia is understandable, the risks and limitations far outweigh any perceived benefits. The device is fundamentally unsuited for tracking people, and its use raises serious ethical and legal concerns. The far more effective and humane approach is to invest in a dedicated senior GPS tracker. These purpose-built devices offer reliable real-time tracking, enhanced safety features like geofencing, and are designed to balance the caregiver's need for peace of mind with the individual's right to privacy and dignity.
