Guide To Choosing A GPS Tracker For Dementia Care

To choose a GPS tracker for dementia care, check five things: location accuracy indoors as well as outdoors, battery life between charges, how small and comfortable the device is to carry, safety features such as geofenced safe zones and an SOS button, and the total cost of the device plus its subscription.

In dementia and Alzheimer's care, there are some things you experience for the first time. One of these is the fear of losing track of your loved one.

One of the most useful steps you can take is to get a GPS tracker, so that you can see where your loved one is when you need to.

Understanding more about dementia

Dementia is a syndrome caused by diseases that affect the brain and the nervous system, leading to memory loss, problems with reasoning and thinking, and changes in behaviour.

It affects daily functioning such as bathing, dressing, eating and performing daily tasks. The condition can take away memories and self-awareness, including memories of family members and caregivers. Because there is no cure, people with dementia often need close support from caregivers.

Why is a GPS tracker for dementia care important?

A GPS location tracker gives you insight into what your loved one does during the day. You can see whether they get out and about, whether they take long walks and, more importantly, which places they visit regularly. GPS tracking devices will also help you know if they stop at certain places such as pharmacies, or at their favourite coffee shop.

Things to consider when buying a GPS tracker for dementia care

When you are buying a personal GPS tracker for dementia care, there are several things to weigh up. These include how comfortably your loved one can carry or wear it, how long they tend to be away from home, and which tracking features you want, such as location history or arrival and departure alerts.

Tracking device's location accuracy

The location of a person with dementia has to be accurate enough to be useful when you need to reach them or arrange medical care.

With a SIM preinstalled, the Tack GPS device works independently and does not require your mobile phone to be within range in order to report its location. Our hybrid tracking technology combines GPS with Wi-Fi positioning and cell-tower fallback, so Tack GPS works indoors and outdoors. Expect roughly 3 to 5 m accuracy outdoors, 10 to 30 m indoors using Wi-Fi positioning, and 100 to 250 m when only cellular positioning is available. The Tack GPS Tracker roams in 30+ countries, and the Tack GPS Plus Global in 120+.

Battery life

Another factor to take into consideration when looking for a GPS tracker for dementia care is the battery life of the device, because it determines how often someone has to remember to charge it.

Using a rechargeable battery with smart sensors that optimise power consumption, Tack GPS has a long battery life that lasts up to 30 days.

Size of tracking device

GPS tracking devices come in different forms and sizes. Some devices are portable and some are permanently attached. They are used for many different reasons and for many different applications.

Weighing about 30 grams, Tack GPS has a compact form factor and it is durable. With its ultrasonic welding and weatherproof design, Tack GPS is built to last through demanding conditions.

Functionality of the tracking device

The GPS tracking device should have key safety features that can keep your loved one with dementia safe.

Tack GPS comes with geofencing and safe zones. You can create multiple boundaries, and you will receive alerts in the OurSphere app automatically when the tracking device moves in and out of these zones.

Tack GPS also comes with One-Click SOS that can trigger a notification alert on your phone. You will be notified of the device's current location in the OurSphere app, and you can trigger emergency mode from the app for continuous updates every 2 minutes on the Standard plan, or every minute on Premium.

Cost

Every company has a different price range for their products. The best way to find out the price of your preferred GPS tracker is to visit the product page on their website, which will also tell you what the device includes.

The Tack GPS Tracker is US$59.95 and the Tack GPS Plus Global is US$79.95, both with a SIM preinstalled and 30 days of Tack Cloud included. Unlike many other GPS tracking solutions with expensive monthly subscription fees, Tack GPS has a low cost of ownership, with location service subscriptions starting from US$2.95/month on a two-year Standard plan.

Types of GPS tracker for dementia care

The types of GPS tracker devices that can be used for someone living with dementia include the following.

GPS pocket trackers

GPS pocket trackers let you monitor the location of your loved one discreetly. They are small enough to fit in a pocket or handbag. This kind of device suits families who want to keep an eye on a loved one's location during the day or night, but are not sure how long they will need the service.

GPS keychain trackers

GPS keychain trackers clip to keys or a bag, which makes them easy to carry for someone who is used to picking up the same set of keys each time they go out.

GPS keychain trackers are very small and light, so that they do not take up too much space in a pocket or handbag, and can be charged using a USB cable.

Wearable GPS trackers

These devices are usually wrist or ankle bands used to monitor the wearer's location. They can be connected to a home monitoring system, so that if the person leaves home and wanders off, a caregiver can get a notification on their mobile phone.

Some wearable systems only cover the home or building they are installed in, so check the coverage before you buy.

Tack GPS device

Find your peace of mind with the Tack GPS multi-purpose location tracking device and its 30-day battery life.

Keep track of your elderly loved ones in every country your device's SIM roams in, at home or on a trip. Click here to buy now.