Is there a personal tracker for dementia patients? The essential guide for caregivers

According to the Alzheimer's Association, up to 60% of people with dementia will wander at some point during their journey with the disease. To mitigate this risk and provide vital reassurance, many families and caregivers ask: is there a personal tracker for dementia patients? The definitive answer is yes, and modern devices offer powerful solutions for enhanced safety.

Quick Summary

Yes, there are several types of personal trackers available, including wearable watches, clip-on devices, and shoe inserts, all designed to help caregivers monitor the location and safety of individuals with dementia who may wander.

Key Points

• Enhanced Safety: GPS trackers are available to help mitigate the risks of wandering in dementia patients by providing real-time location tracking for caregivers.

• Variety of Options: Devices come in various forms, including discreet wearable watches, clip-on or pendant trackers, and hidden shoe inserts, to suit different preferences and behaviors.

• Core Features: Most trackers offer essential features like geofencing (safe zones), SOS buttons for emergencies, and app-based monitoring for caregivers.

• Advanced Capabilities: Higher-end models may include two-way communication, fall detection, and specialized routines-based alerts.

• Involve the Individual: If possible, involve the person with dementia in the tracker selection and discussion to promote acceptance and respect their dignity.

• Consider All Factors: When choosing, evaluate the balance between cost, features, battery life, and how comfortable the individual is with the specific device.

Understanding the need for personal trackers

Caring for a person with dementia involves managing a variety of challenges, with wandering being one of the most serious concerns. Wandering can put a person at risk of disorientation, injury, or getting lost in unfamiliar or dangerous environments. Personal trackers, most often utilizing GPS technology, have emerged as a crucial tool to help mitigate these risks.

These devices provide a reliable way for caregivers to monitor a loved one’s whereabouts in real-time, offering a layer of security that benefits both the person with dementia and their family. By providing early warnings and location data, these trackers can significantly reduce the time spent searching for a missing person, turning a potentially traumatic event into a quickly resolved situation.

How GPS trackers work

Most personal trackers for dementia patients use a combination of technologies to pinpoint a person's location. The primary method is GPS (Global Positioning System), which uses satellites to provide precise outdoor positioning. For indoor tracking or areas with weak GPS signals, devices often supplement with Wi-Fi and cellular triangulation. Caregivers can typically access this information through a dedicated smartphone app or a web portal.

Common features include:

• Real-time tracking: Viewing a person's location on a map at any given moment.
• Geofencing: Setting up virtual 'safe zones' and receiving an alert if the person enters or leaves that designated area.
• SOS buttons: Allowing the wearer to call for help with the press of a single button.
• Two-way communication: Enabling hands-free calls between the caregiver and the device wearer.
• Fall detection: Automatically sending an alert if the device detects a sudden fall.

Types of personal trackers for dementia patients

When considering a personal tracker, it's important to choose one that fits the individual's lifestyle and temperament. The best device is one that the person with dementia will consistently wear without resistance.

Wearable watches

These devices look like regular digital or analog watches, making them discreet and less likely to be removed. Many include two-way voice communication, SOS buttons, and GPS tracking. The familiar watch format can be comforting for many seniors. Some models, like the Tranquil Watch, even feature a locking clasp to prevent removal.

Clip-on or pendant devices

For those who don’t wear a watch, smaller devices that can be clipped to clothing, a belt, or worn as a pendant are an excellent alternative. AngelSense is a notable example, with its non-removable, sensory-friendly sleeve designed to be attached to clothing. This can be particularly useful if the person with dementia tends to fiddle with or take off their accessories.

Shoe inserts and hidden trackers

For individuals who refuse or forget to wear a tracker, discreet options like GPS shoe inserts or small, pocket-sized trackers can be effective. GPS SmartSole is a popular example, with the tracking device embedded directly into a shoe insole, ensuring it's always with them when they are wearing their shoes. Smaller trackers like the LandAirSea 54 can be slipped into a bag or pocket.

Comparison of popular trackers

Choosing the right device requires evaluating the pros and cons of different models. Here is a comparison of some well-regarded personal trackers for dementia patients.

Feature	Tranquil Watch	AngelSense	GPSTracker247	Theora Connect
Best For	Discreet, stylish design for consistent wear.	Advanced features and two-way voice communication.	Cost-conscious users who need basic GPS tracking.	Familiar watch design with helpful caregiver app.
Comfort/Design	Classic watch look with optional locking clasp.	Sensory-friendly sleeve, non-removable for peace of mind.	Lightweight and portable; can be placed in a pocket or bag.	Watch-style form, adjustable band, and familiar interface.
Communication	Auto-answer for emergency calls.	Two-way voice with auto-answer.	No voice support.	Two-way voice with auto-answer.
Alert System	Bluetooth alerts for proximity, geofencing.	SOS button, routine-based alerts, runner mode.	Basic geofence alerts.	Push alerts for safe zones, step counter.
Battery Life	Up to one week.	Up to 24 hours.	Long battery life, though specific duration varies.	Up to 24 hours.

Important considerations for caregivers

Before purchasing a tracker, several factors should be weighed to ensure the device is a good fit.

Involve the person with dementia

If possible, involve the person with dementia in the decision-making process. Explain that the tracker is a tool for safety and support, not a restriction on their freedom. A tracker that they accept and are comfortable wearing is far more effective. For those in the early stages, this conversation is essential for maintaining trust and dignity.

Evaluate features vs. cost

Decide which features are most important. Does the person with dementia have a history of falls? Is two-way communication a priority? Consider the balance between upfront device costs and ongoing monthly subscription fees. Not all trackers require a monthly subscription, but those that do often come with more advanced features and cellular connectivity for better reliability.

Focus on usability

The companion app used by the caregiver should be intuitive and easy to navigate. Consider who on the care team will be using the app and ensure they are comfortable with the technology. Features like discreet alerts (like a text or email instead of a loud alarm) can also be important for avoiding unnecessary agitation or distress for the person with dementia.

Privacy and consent

Always discuss the use of a tracker within the family and respect the individual's privacy. The goal is to provide safety, not to surveil unnecessarily. The use of trackers should be viewed as a tool to enhance well-being and independence, giving the person with dementia the freedom to move about safely, while providing their family with peace of mind.

Conclusion: Finding the right fit

Yes, personal trackers for dementia patients are widely available and can be an invaluable part of a comprehensive care plan. The right device can empower individuals with dementia to maintain independence and an active lifestyle for as long as possible, while providing their caregivers and families with the security of knowing they are safe. From discreet watches to non-removable clip-ons and hidden shoe inserts, the market offers a range of options to suit different needs and preferences. Ultimately, the most effective tracker is the one that best suits the individual's daily routine, offers reliable performance, and provides peace of mind for everyone involved. For additional guidance on memory loss, the Alzheimer's Association is an excellent resource.

Visit the Alzheimer's Association website for more resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it ethical to use a personal tracker for a dementia patient?

Using a personal tracker on a dementia patient is a serious decision that should be discussed within the family. It is generally considered ethical when the primary purpose is to ensure the person's safety and well-being, particularly if they are prone to wandering. Involving the individual in the decision, if possible, is crucial for respecting their dignity.

Do trackers for dementia patients require a monthly fee?

Most advanced GPS trackers for dementia patients require a monthly subscription fee to cover cellular service and access to features like real-time tracking, alerts, and caregiver apps. Some basic, one-time purchase trackers exist, but they often lack the comprehensive features and connectivity of subscription-based models.

How do geofence alerts work for dementia trackers?

Geofencing allows a caregiver to set up a virtual boundary around a safe area, such as a home or community. If the tracker detects that the person with dementia has crossed this boundary, it sends an immediate alert to the caregiver's phone or email. This helps ensure a quick response to potential wandering.

What is the best tracker for someone who tries to remove devices?

For individuals who try to remove their trackers, discreet options are often best. This could include a GPS SmartSole inserted into a shoe, a small device hidden in a bag, or specialized wearable trackers like the Tranquil Watch, which features a locking clasp to prevent removal.

Can a tracker help if the patient is indoors?

Yes, many modern trackers use a combination of GPS, Wi-Fi, and cellular data to provide location information both outdoors and indoors. Devices that rely on Wi-Fi positioning can offer more accurate indoor tracking, and some systems can even notify you if the person moves too far from a home-based beacon.

Are there trackers with an SOS button?

Yes, many personal trackers for dementia patients include an SOS or panic button. When pressed, this button sends an immediate emergency alert to designated contacts or, in some cases, a professional monitoring service, providing the person with a direct way to signal for help if they are in distress.

How long does the battery last on these trackers?

Battery life varies significantly between devices. Some smaller, advanced trackers may only last 24-48 hours and need nightly charging. Other, more basic models or those with larger batteries can last up to a week or more. It is crucial to check the battery life and charging routine before purchasing to ensure it fits the person's daily needs.