Elderly Safety: GPS Trackers for Elderly People
GPS trackers have many uses, from monitoring company vehicles to protecting children. One of the most valuable uses is monitoring dementia patients, who are sometimes unable to take care of themselves but who often still retain a desire for independence.
Using a GPS tracking device for senior can help caretakers by informing them about their patients' locations, even when they must step away. Notifications can tell them about the patient's movements or departure from their designated safe area, such as their home or care facility, and tracking information can help them find out if they have left these safe areas.
Early stage of Alzheimer patients can also benefit if the device they are given offers an SOS panic button that enables them to call for help if they are lost or distressed.
GPS trackers offer several features that can help provide caretakers with peace of mind while also giving patients that sense of freedom they so desire.
Key Features to Consider
Some of the key features of tracking device for elderly that make them particularly useful to dementia patients and their caretakers are:
- Geofencing, which enables caretakers to set safety perimeters around the patient's home or care facility so they will be notified of unexpected departures
- Alerts Notifications that can keep the caretaker informed of a variety of unexpected events
- Emergency or SOS buttons that allow patients to call for help if they are in distress or become lost
- Fall detection which can identify if the patient has had an accident and immediately send a notification to their caretaker for assistance
- Instant location updates allow caretakers to determine at a glance if their patients are where they are supposed to be
- Real-time tracking which enables caretakers and family members to easily monitor the movements of the patient at all times
- Wearable accessories that allow the GPS tracking device to be easily carried, worn, or mounted where it is most useful for the patient
- Long battery life, which enables caretakers to keep tabs on their patients without always having to remember to charge the device
- Two-way communication enables patients and caretakers to communicate directly with one another in the event of an emergency situation, eliminating the need for cell phones and other forms of communication.
- Waterproof casing and durability ensure that your device will withstand harsh and unexpected conditions like being accidentally worn in the shower or dropped outside on walks.
Top GPS Trackers for Dementia Patients
There are several top players in the market selling GPS trackers for dementia patients, and these are the most well-known:
BrickHouse Alert by BrickHouse Security
Brickhouse Alert is a top GPS tracker for senior and dementia patients, featuring all of the most important options, including an emergency call button, instant response from a 24/7 call center, portability, water resistance, geofencing, wander alerts, long battery life, lowest monthly service and more.
Key Features:
- Real-Time GPS Tracking: Precise location tracking
- SOS Button: Immediate alert to predefined contacts in emergencies, Shares user’s location for quick assistance.
- Geofencing Capabilities: Set up multiple safe zones, Instant notifications if device enters or exits these areas.
- Two-Way Communication: Built-in speaker and microphone, Clear communication for quick check-ins or emergencies.
- Long Battery Life: Extended usage without frequent recharging.
- Waterproof Design: Durable and reliable in various environments.
- Lightweight and Portable: Compact and easy to carry, Comfortable to wear or attach to personal items.
Tranquil GPS Watch
Tranquil GPS Watch features a stylish watch-style design that is easy to keep track of, a Bluetooth alarm that notifies caretakers of any emergency, auto-answer for emergency calls to ensure that no emergency is missed, and a long battery life that keeps the tracker functioning and useful for a long time.
Key Features:
- Stylish Design: Perfect for daily wear, blending seamlessly with your personal style.
- Bluetooth Alarm: Ensures you never lose track of your device.
- Auto-Answer: Allows for hands-free communication in emergencies.
- Long Battery Life: Reliable performance without frequent charging.
Medical Guardian Mini Guardian
Mini Guardian offers caretakers professional monitoring to ensure their patient's safety, fall detection in the event of an emergency, and a caregiver app that allows users to have a dedicated space for keeping track of their patients.
Key Features:
- Professional Monitoring: Provides 24/7 emergency support for ultimate security.
- Fall Detection: Automatically alerts caregivers if a fall is detected.
- Caregiver App: Allows loved ones to track and assist in real-time.
Jiobit
JioBit features a compact design for easy portability, multi-system tracking that utilizes cellular, GPS, Bluetooth, and WiFi for complete tracking capabilities wherever the patient happens to roam, and a long battery life to ensure that the device is functional whenever it's needed.
Key Features:
- Compact Design: Small and lightweight, easy to carry or attach to personal items.
- Multi-System Tracking: Utilizes cellular, GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi for precise location tracking.
- Long Battery Life: Ensures continuous tracking without frequent recharges.
iTraq Nano
iTraq Nano offers global coverage to monitor patients wherever they are, an extended battery life that minimizes the likelihood that the device will not be charged when it's needed, and a small, compact design that makes it easy to carry discreetly.
Key Features:
- Global Coverage: Tracks your valuables anywhere in the world.
- Extended Battery Life: Offers long-term tracking without constant recharging.
- Easy to Carry: Lightweight and portable, ideal for travel.
AngelSense GPS Tracker
AngelSense GPS Tracker provides caretakers with advanced features for keeping tabs on their patient, wearable options to ensure that the patient does not lose the device, and detailed activity tracking that ensures the safety of the patient.
Key Features:
- Advanced Features: Includes voice monitoring, customizable alerts, and geofencing.
- Wearable Options: Can be worn in various ways for comfort and convenience.
- Detailed Activity Tracking: Monitors daily activities to ensure safety and routine adherence.
SecuLife Device
SecuLife Device offers splash resistance which enables the device to be used in real life situations, wearable options to ensure that the device is not lost, and two-way calling so that patients and caretakers can communicate in emergencies.
Key Features:
- Splash-Resistant: Durable design suitable for all weather conditions.
- Multiple Geofences: Set up several safe zones and receive alerts if boundaries are crossed.
- Two-Way Calling: Allows direct communication with the device holder.
Comparative Analysis
Different devices operate in various ways, with a range of features and subscription options. When selecting a suitable GPS tracking device, you should primarily consider what needs you have for the device, what kinds of things you want to track with regard to the patient in your care, and how much you want to spend on these features. Some of the aspects that will be most important to consider are:
- Price and subscription models: Your choice will often be between a one-time purchase and monthly subscription models. You will also need to consider additional fees that may occur.
- Usability and setup: When selecting the device for your use it will ultimately be essential for you to ensure that it is easy for you and your patient to use and that app interfaces and the initial setup process is intuitive. The device is only useful if it is usable for all involved.
- Coverage and connectivity: It is also essential to consider whether the device you select is fully functional in the location where your device is to be used. Check for cellular network signal and connectivity issues to ensure that your device will be effective in emergencies.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
It is always essential to consider legalities and ethics when using a GPS tracking device on another person. When possible, it is recommended that you obtain consent from the patient or their power of attorney, if you are not that person. Keeping their activities and whereabouts private is important to balancing safety and independence for the patient, as well as maintaining their trust and respect.
Case Studies and Real-Life Examples
Customer reviews: Brickhouse Security
When introducing a GPS-tracking device to a dementia patient.
Here are some simple tips for effectively and successfully introducing a new strategy into your care plan:
- Focus on a gradual introduction when utilizing a new device with a dementia patient. Build trust and explain how the device works, being careful to avoid negativity or demands. It will take patience.
- Proper placement of the device is an essential part of ensuring that it works for the patient. If you're using a wearable device, the patient will have to become comfortable with having the device around their neck, aware of how to use it to call for emergencies, and willing to keep it on for their own safety.
- Develop a strategy for ensuring that the device is always charged and ready to go so that in the event of an emergency, it works!
- Set your geofences right away, ensuring that your perimeters are around your safe zones--your home, your patient's home, your patient's care facility, etc. So that you will be notified immediately if they leave that area. Customize geofences according to your patient's habits and preferences. If you know they often take a walk in the nearby park, you may want to include that area in the safe zone but receive notifications if they wander further, for example.
- Ensure that all of the patient's caregivers are educated about the device and understand how it works and what it's for. You can rely upon their assistance to help the patient remember to wear it if everyone has bought into its use.
- Lastly, open communication about the purpose of the device is essential as it helps maintain trust with the patient.
Conclusion
There are many benefits to utilizing GPS tracking for seniors' not the least of which is peace of mind for families and caretakers. GPS trackers allow for a non-intrusive means of keeping eye on the movements and whereabouts of patients to ensure their safety without requiring them to be continuously in the presence of their caretaker, limiting their sense of independence.
Special features of GPS trackers for dementia patients also allow patients to call for help in an emergency and notify caretakers of fall events or accidents, offering an added level of security that couldn't be achieved otherwise.
If you're looking for buying a GPS tracker to monitor the safety if your patient or loved one living with dementia, we can help you find the best tool for the job. Contact BrickHouse Security and we can help you find right product or customize the right solution for you.
Posted by Kellie Kendall on Jun 18th 2024
