Consider a GPS Tracking Device

People living with dementia have the right to be as independent as possible.  But changes in the brain can affect a person’s ability to find their way when out on their own.  In fact, six in ten people who are living with dementia are at risk of getting lost.

Individuals in the middle to later stages of dementia often experience confusion, disorientation or agitation, which can lead to wandering. This can be dangerous, especially if they are unable to recognize familiar places or communicate their identity and location. They may go outside without proper clothing on, leave their keys, wallet, purse or phone at home.  They may go out at night or in bad weather.  The person with dementia may wander because of restlessness, or because they are trying to get somewhere they think they need to go, such as to work or to see a family member. 

This is obviously a very big safety risk as well as very stressful for caregivers to be always on the alert for. 

It is important to take proactive steps to ensure your loved one’s safety.  Here are some steps to consider:

• Have a recent photo of your loved one, on hand, in case it is needed.
• Put contact information on their person.  Use a business card in wallet, or phone number on clothing labels.  
• Set up a door alarm to chime if your loved one leaves the house unexpectedly.
• Inform neighbours of the situation so they can keep an eye out.
• Provide a basic medical bracelet which has family contact information on it, you can even have these medical bracelets connected to the police service so they have more information for returning your loved one.

Tracking Devices

Another common safety tool is a Tracking Device.  There are many brands and companies that provide these solutions.  If you would like help in determining which is most suitable for your situation, feel free to reach out to us at Proactive Seniors.

These types of devices allow caregivers to monitor their loved one’s location in real time.  Some devices work like a walkie-talkie as you can speak through the device to your loved one. Others connect to a monitoring service.  Some connect to your smart phone so you can see them on the move.  Tracking devices can reduce some of the stress and anxiety caregivers feel, knowing they have an extra layer of protection in case of an emergency.

There are several categories of tracking devices available for individuals with dementia, each offering different features based on a family’s needs:

• GPS-enabled devices – provide real-time location tracking and can be worn as wristbands, necklaces, or even placed in shoes.
• Geofencing technology – alerting caregivers if the person moves beyond a designated safe area.
• Radio frequency (RF) tracking devices – often used when GPS signals are weak or unreliable, such as indoors.
• Bluetooth trackers – work within a short range and are helpful for monitoring a person within the home.

Some tracking devices are built into smartphones or smartwatches, combining location tracking with additional features like emergency call buttons and health monitoring.  Some are wearables that are for this sole purpose.  The most important consideration in choosing a tracking device is ‘will the individual have it on their person?’  If the person doesn’t have the device with them when they wander, it is of no use.  It is important to explore the use case for a device.  If the person with dementia is very likely to take their coat with them, or their purse or wallet, when they leave, then a device within those articles is likely to be useful.  If they are likely to leave without their coat or purse, then perhaps a shoe tracker or wristband version is more helpful.

Families can choose a device that best suits their loved one’s needs and lifestyle to enhance their safety and independence.