Understanding the need for tracking solutions
For many families, the compulsion of a loved one with dementia to wander is a significant and terrifying concern. Wandering can occur at any time, leading to the person becoming disoriented and lost, even in familiar surroundings. The goal of tracking is not to limit freedom, but to enhance safety and provide peace of mind for both the person with dementia and their caregivers. A well-considered tracking strategy can reduce the risk of harm and even delay the need for more restrictive care settings.
Technological solutions for tracking
There are numerous devices and services available to help track a person with dementia. Choosing the right one depends on factors like the person's stage of dementia, their lifestyle, and where they live.
- Wearable GPS Trackers: These are some of the most common options and come in various forms, including watches, pendants, and clip-on devices. Many feature a geofencing function, which sends an alert to caregivers' phones when the wearer exits a predefined 'safe zone'. Some models also include an SOS button and two-way communication.
- GPS-Enabled Shoes: For individuals who may remove a watch or pendant, GPS SmartSoles are discreet devices that fit into a shoe. This ensures the tracker remains with the person whenever they are wearing their shoes, an important consideration for those with more advanced memory loss.
- Smartphone Applications: For parents who still carry a smartphone, built-in features like Apple's 'Find My' or Google's 'Find My Device' are free and simple to use. For more advanced options, apps can provide real-time location tracking and geofencing alerts, but this relies on the person remembering to carry their phone and keep it charged.
- Radio Frequency (RF) Tracking: This technology is often used in partnership with local law enforcement or community programs, such as Project Lifesaver. A person wears a small, battery-operated transmitter, and if they go missing, a special receiver is used to pick up the radio signal. This is particularly useful for areas with limited cellular coverage.
- Home Monitoring Systems: For at-home tracking, movement sensors can be placed under mattresses or on floor mats to alert caregivers if the person leaves their bed or enters a restricted area during the night. Smart doorbells can also chime when a door is opened.
Non-technological and preventative strategies
Technology is only one part of a comprehensive safety plan. Other non-tech measures are equally important for preventing wandering and ensuring a safe return.
- Personal Identification: A medical ID bracelet with a name, address, and emergency contact number is a simple yet effective tool. For those who might remove bracelets, clothing labels with similar information can be discreetly sewn in. Organizations like the Alzheimer's Association offer identification systems with a 24/7 emergency response service.
- Home Safety Modifications: Adding locks that are difficult to operate or placed high up on doors can deter a person from leaving without supervision. Camouflaging exits by painting doors to blend with the wall or placing a dark mat in front of an exit can sometimes confuse individuals with dementia.
- Community Awareness: Informing trusted neighbors and local police about your parent's condition and tendency to wander is a crucial step. Providing police with a recent photograph and a physical description can significantly speed up a search and rescue operation.
Ethical and legal considerations
Before implementing any tracking solution, it is vital to consider the ethical and legal implications, particularly regarding consent and privacy.
Consent and autonomy
Ideally, discussions about tracking devices should happen in the early stages of dementia, while your parent can still participate in the decision-making process. If the person is no longer able to give informed consent, the decision falls to a legal guardian or someone with power of attorney for health and social care. It is critical to balance the need for safety with the individual's right to privacy and independence.
Legal authority
If a parent is incapacitated and has not appointed a power of attorney, family members may need to petition the court for a guardianship or conservatorship to legally authorize decisions on their behalf. Elder law attorneys can provide guidance on these legal processes. In some cases, surveillance laws differ between states, particularly concerning audio recordings, so it is important to research local regulations.
Comparison of tracking technologies
| Feature | Wearable GPS Trackers | GPS-Enabled Shoes | Smartphone Apps | RF Tracking (e.g., Project Lifesaver) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discreetness | Depends on style (e.g., watch vs. pendant) | Highly discreet; built into footwear | Not discreet; relies on person carrying a phone | Fairly discreet (bracelet or anklet) |
| Accuracy | Generally high outdoors; can be affected by urban environments | Generally high outdoors; less accurate indoors | Varies based on phone signal; can offer A-GPS for indoor tracking | Very effective in locating a person within a few miles |
| Battery Life | Requires frequent charging; varies by device | Typically long-lasting; can last for weeks | Drains phone battery; depends on phone usage | Can last for an extended period; requires regular maintenance checks |
| Dependability | Can be removed or lost by the wearer | Difficult for the wearer to remove | Can be forgotten or left behind | Less prone to being removed than a watch or pendant |
| Cost | Activation fees and monthly subscriptions common | High initial cost; can have service fees | Often free with existing phone service; additional app costs vary | Often low-cost or free through community programs; relies on local agencies |
Creating a balanced care plan
The decision to implement tracking technology should be part of a broader, well-rounded care strategy. Relying solely on technology can lead to a decrease in physical engagement and supervision. It's crucial to combine technological tools with other safety measures and ongoing supervision to provide the best possible care. For instance, a tracker is a valuable supplement to a predictable daily routine and engaging activities that help reduce restlessness.
How to introduce tracking to a parent
Approaching the topic of tracking requires sensitivity and transparency. Begin the conversation early, while your parent can still understand and participate. Explain that the device is for their safety, not to control them. Reassure them that it can allow them to maintain their independence longer. Discussing various options, such as watches, jewelry, or shoe inserts, can give them a sense of control over the decision.
Conclusion
Navigating the challenge of how to track my elderly parent with dementia involves a careful balance of safety, independence, and ethical considerations. Modern technologies like GPS wearables, discreet shoe inserts, and smartphone apps offer robust solutions for monitoring a loved one's whereabouts and responding quickly in an emergency. However, no single device is a foolproof replacement for vigilant supervision and a holistic safety plan that includes low-tech strategies, home modifications, and community involvement. Ultimately, a transparent and respectful approach that prioritizes your parent's dignity and involves them in the decision-making process is the best path forward. For legal advice regarding consent and guardianship, consulting an experienced elder law attorney is highly recommended.
Related Resources
- National Institute on Aging: Coping with Alzheimer's Behaviors: Wandering and Getting Lost
- Alzheimer's Society of Canada: Tracking Devices
- Project Lifesaver: Locating People with Cognitive Conditions
