This blog was updated on August 14, 2024, with newly tested product information.
Out of the 6 million people with Alzheimer's disease in the United States, about 60% have a risk of wandering. This is very dangerous and involves a lot of safety concerns. As such, GPS tracking devices become very vital in dealing with such risks. Starting with real-time location tracking, followed by geofencing and emergency alerts, a GPS tracker gives any professional caregiver enough confidence to keep their clients or loved ones with a diagnosis of dementia safe and independent.
To help you make an informed decision, we have picked out the top five GPS trackers for dementia patients to target devices that involve very beneficial features such as real-time tracking and emergency alerts. Check our picks to find a solution that would fit your loved one's needs.
Final Verdict: What's The Best GPS Trackers For Dementia Patients
The AngelSense GPS Tracker stands out for its fall detection, assistive speakerphone, and real-time location updates. These features offer both safety and direct communication, making it a reliable choice for monitoring dementia patients.
Our Top Picks: GPS Trackers For Dementia Patients
| Ratings | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Best For | General tracking for dementia patients | Specialized tracking for dementia patients | Elderly dementia patients tracking | Emergency response for dementia patients | Lightweight tracking for dementia |
| Cost | $29.95 | $229.00 | $299.00 | $199.00 | $129.99 |
| Subscription | $19.95/month | $49.99/month | $29.95/month | $39.95/month | $8.99/month |
| Battery Life | Up to 2 weeks | Up to 24 hours | Up to 3 days | Up to 5 days | Up to 10 days |
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Things to Consider Before Buying a GPS Tracker for Dementia Patients
SOS Button
A GPS tracker with an SOS button empowers the dementia patient with the capability of calling for help in any critical emergency. It helps alert the caregivers and emergency services of an incident regarding the patient.
Water Resistance
Choose a waterproof or a water-resistant tracker for more protection. This is handy should a patient encounter rain or accidentally get exposed to water.
Two-Way Communication
GPS trackers with two-way communication allow caregivers to talk directly to dementia patients if they get lost or need help. This is important because it helps patients get immediate guidance and reassurance through their tracker, which is really helpful for keeping them safe.
Fall Detection
Consider choosing a GPS tracker with fall detection capabilities. With the ability to automatically alert caregivers in case of falls, help can be sent swiftly. This is important for any older or adult but most significantly for elderly patients who have dementia and are at a higher risk of falling.
Discreet Design
It's important for a GPS tracker for dementia patients to be designed in a way that is not very noticeable. This makes it comfortable for the patient to wear and won't attract attention. It's important for the patient to accept and regularly use the device. Wearable and unobtrusive devices allow for continuous monitoring without affecting the patient's daily life.
Best 5 GPS Trackers for Dementia Patients
Family1st: General tracking for dementia patients
The Family1st Portable GPS Tracker uses the latest cellular 4G technology to give real-time location updates for dementia patients. Its small, discreet design makes it easy to attach to clothing, ensuring it stays hidden. This device is effective across North America, making it a reliable choice for monitoring the whereabouts of patients prone to wandering.
The Family1st GPS Tracker ensures the safety of dementia patients with indoor Wi-Fi tracking, geofencing, and customizable alerts. It offers up to two weeks of battery life and has no hidden fees, contracts, or extra charges, making it a cost-effective and reliable choice.
The Family1st GPS Tracker is ideal for dementia patients, offering real-time location updates and effective indoor tracking. It's small and discreet, easy to manage without being intrusive. Its long battery life and low cost provide a reliable way to ensure the safety and peace of mind of caregivers and patients alike.
- Real-time GPS tracking with 4G technology
- Compact and discreet design
- Customizable alerts
- Geofencing capability
- Lifetime warranty on the device
- Monthly subscription required
- Device size might be slightly bulky for some users
Family 1st portable GPS tracker has long battery life. It can last up to 2 weeks with 1-minute location tracking. It means you don't have to worry about frequently charging the device.
| Product Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Low device cost and subscription plan | Yes |
| No Contract, No cost activation, and deactivation | Yes |
| Lifetime Warranty on device | Yes |
| Coverage in the USA, Mexico, and Canada | Yes |
| Battery & Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 2.8” x 1.8” x 1.1” |
| Weight | 3.60 Oz |
| Battery | 2400 mAh Li-Polymer |
| Battery Type | Internal and Rechargeable |
| Active Battery Life | 2 weeks with 1-minute update |
| Sleep Mode Battery Life | 6 months with one update per day |
AngelSense: Specialized tracking for dementia patients
The AngelSense GPS tracker is designed for people suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's. It offers an effective way to ensure their safety by locating and bringing home—safe and sound—those who wander; this affects six in every ten people suffering from the aforementioned conditions.
The AngelSense GPS tracker is designed to be small and lightweight, making it easy to attach to the clothing of dementia patients. It has an easy-to-navigate interface, an emergency SOS button, and a speakerphone that automatically answers calls, ensuring quick help is available if the patient is in trouble or lost..
AngelSense is filled with critical safety features like an SOS button and fall detection to keep you on top of your loved one's well-being. Two-way voice calling and assistive speakerphone keep you connected and let them hear your reassuring voice. Light and sensory-friendly, for comfort. Combined, they give peace of mind and security to the dementia patients and caregivers alike.
- Real-time tracking
- Custom geofences and smart alerts
- SOS mode and 911 emergency dispatch
- Ability to add trusted contacts
- Long-lasting battery
- Waterproof and durable
- Higher initial cost
- Subscription required
AngelSense is a small, stylish device that your loved one wouldn't mind attaching or hiding in the backpack. It has a comfortable and lightweight design, so they would take it voluntarily and won't even face any issues. Additionally, it is simple to use, so they can navigate through features or press the SOS button when needed without any difficulty.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Real-time Tracking | Yes |
| Custom Geofences and Smart Alerts | Yes |
| SOS Mode, 911 Emergency Dispatch | Yes |
| Add Trusted Contacts | Yes |
| Subscription | Starts at $39.99/month |
| Battery and Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 2.4″ x 1.7″ x 0.63″ |
| Weight | 1.4 Oz |
| Battery Life | 24 hours of active battery life |
| Battery Type | NA |
Theora Connect Smartwatch: Elderly Dementia Patients Tracking
Theora Connect, with its companion mobile app, Theora Link, brings the complete solution to ensure loved ones' safety when living with dementia or Alzheimer's. This all-purpose smartwatch tends towards the needs of seniors and gives peace of mind to the caregiver with assurance of safety to the wearer.
The Theora Connect Smartwatch combines style and functionality with its lightweight, fashionable design. Ideal for continuous wear, it features an SOS emergency button that sends location alerts to caregivers, a magnetic charging station, voice activation, and an integrated smartphone app for real-time tracking and care management.
The Theora Connect smartwatch is the ultimate answer to monitoring and ensuring the safety of loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer's. It is an advanced piece of technology that is packaged into a product with SOS alerts, auto-answer audio, and a unique mobile app that improves the life of a caregiver.
- Auto-answer audio feature
- Dedicated customer support team
- Integrated mobile application
- Sleek and stylish design
- Relatively short battery life
- Monthly subscription fee required
It is a light-wearing and stylish smartwatch that your loved one would love to wear without feeling uncomfortable.
Theora Connect watch comes with an SOS emergency button. It connects the caregivers with their loved ones directly. As soon as your parent presses the SOS button, you and others in the caregiving team will receive an alert and location coordinates.
The device comes with a magnetic charging station that enables easy charging. Your parents or loved ones can easily attach the device to the charge. It has a voice-activation feature that will assist them in charging the device.
Theora Connect watch comes with an integrated smartphone application. It allows you to stay connected with loved ones and other caregivers. It enables you to access various features such as safe zones, SOS alerts, etc.
Theora link smartphone offers auto answering audio feature that enables you to communicate with recipients directly. It can be helpful when patients become confused or lost and unable to press the SOS button.
The mobile application allows you to create a care team. You can include the trusted family members or friends to provide additional care to your loved one. Also, if you use two watches to track your parents, you can use the same mobile application to manage it.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Auto-answer Audio Feature | Yes |
| Dedicated Customer Support Team | Yes |
| Integrated Mobile Application | Yes |
| Sleek and Stylish Design | Yes |
| Battery and Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2 Ounces |
| Watch Face | 1.25 inches |
| Band Length | 5.25-7.25 inches |
| Band Width | 0.875 inches |
| Battery Life | Up to 18-24 hours |
| Water Resistant | Yes |
Medical Guardian : Emergency Response For Dementia Patients
The Medical Guardian Freedom 2.0 Smartwatch is one such reliable GPS tracker, perfect for showing the exact location in real-time of dementia patients living on their own. This watch works well for those who are very active and want an accessory that will help them ensure their safety as they go about keeping fit or being active.
The Medical Guardian Freedom 2.0 smartwatch helps you set daily step goals to measure their weekly progress. It also offers features like reminders for medications and appointments, and a help button for emergencies with a cancel option if pressed accidentally. These features are especially beneficial for enhancing safety and managing daily health routines for dementia patients.
The Medical Guardian Freedom 2.0 Smartwatch is quite a practical solution for the location and well-being monitoring of loved ones living with dementia or Alzheimer's. This device keeps with the wearer through real-time tracking, activity monitoring, and useful reminders—a reliable and easy idea for an active individual.
- Fall detection feature
- Comfortable wearing
- Pedometer
- Alarms and reminders
- Analog clock
- Calendar alerts
- Short battery life
- Monthly subscription fee required
MG smartwatch tackles your location problem. And also helps your loved one to plan the day and stay on track with reminders. It also gives peace of mind that they will not forget to take their medicine or see the doctor for consultation.
Another feature of the Medical Guardian smartwatch is the help button. Your loved one can press the simple and accessible button to call for help in an emergency. It also has the cancel button, so they can press it if they have accidentally pressed the help button.
Another additional feature of the Medical Guardian smartwatch is weather information. Your loved ones can always check the weather before they go out to prepare for the worst ahead of time.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fall Detection Feature | Yes |
| Comfortable Wearing | Yes |
| Pedometer | Yes |
| Alarms and Reminders | Yes |
| Analog Clock | Yes |
| Calendar Alerts | Yes |
| Battery and Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2 Ounces |
| Watch Face | 1.25 inches |
| Band Length | 5-7 inches |
| Band Width | 0.875 inches |
| Battery Life | Up to 24 hours |
| Water Resistant | Yes |
Jiobit GPS Tracker: Lightweight tracking for dementia
The Jiobit GPS Tracker is a compact device that uses Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, and GPS to provide precise location data. Its small size makes it ideal for discreetly monitoring individuals who prefer not to wear conspicuous devices, such as elderly dementia patients who may resist using more visible tracking technology.
The Jiobit GPS tracker's best feature is probably its size—nearly the size of an Oreo cookie. This makes it discreet enough to be put into a pack, a pouch, or even a pocket and even attached to your clothes without notice, ideal for dementia patients who may be sensitive to visible devices. These features make real-time location tracking and safety possible without intrusion into personal privacy.
The Jiobit GPS Tracker offers much-needed, discreet tracking for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer's. Pocket-sized and packed with features for 911 dispatch, it is integrated into the care team and history.
- Real-time tracking
- Custom geofences and smart alerts
- SOS mode with 911 emergency dispatch
- Ability to add trusted contacts
- Requires cellular connection for full functionality
- Limited battery life with constant tracking
One of the best features that make Jiobit a part of this list is 911 emergency dispatch. Jiobit with Noonlight creates a personal and automated security system with 911 emergency response. By activating the SOS mode, your care team can send the location details to a professional dispatcher who will send immediate help to your loved ones in an emergency.
Jiobit allows you to create a care team to connect your family and friends. By having a care team, you can ensure that no matter if you are in the city or out for work, your parents can receive immediate help in an emergency. The members can download the mobile application and use the same credentials to access various features. You can also limit the permissions as the account owner and add or remove anyone as you want.
Your parents would want to live without restrictions, even in their old age or when diagnosed with dementia. You can allow them to enjoy their independence without disturbing your peace of mind with the trusted places feature of the Jiobit. The Jiobit allows you to mark trusted places on the map to ensure your loved one is arriving and leaving safely.
You can also know the tracking history of your parents with the help of Jiobit. It helps you to ensure that your parents are going to the designated place and not getting lost.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Real-time Tracking | Yes |
| Custom Geofences and Smart Alerts | Yes |
| SOS Mode with 911 Emergency Dispatch | Yes |
| Can Add Trusted Contacts | Yes |
| Battery and Specs | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 1.96” x 1.45” x 0.47” |
| Weight | 1.76 Oz |
| Battery Type | 1 Lithium Polymer |
| Battery Life | 7 days with constant tracking |
Pro's & Con's
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ensures safety and security with real-time location tracking and emergency alerts | Potential invasion of privacy for patients |
| Provides peace of mind for caregivers with remote monitoring | Connectivity issues, especially indoors |
| Allows patients to maintain independence with discreet tracking | Requires regular charging and has battery life limitations |
| Easy to use with simple interfaces and portable designs | Over-reliance on technology can create a false sense of security |
| Cost-effective with affordable hardware and subscription plans | Ongoing subscription fees can add up over time |
| Pros |
|---|
| Ensures safety and security with real-time location tracking and emergency alerts |
| Provides peace of mind for caregivers with remote monitoring |
| Allows patients to maintain independence with discreet tracking |
| Easy to use with simple interfaces and portable designs |
| Cost-effective with affordable hardware and subscription plans |
| Cons |
|---|
| Potential invasion of privacy for patients |
| Connectivity issues, especially indoors |
| Requires regular charging and has battery life limitations |
| Over-reliance on technology can create a false sense of security |
| Ongoing subscription fees can add up over time |
Why do dementia patients need GPS trackers?
If you are wondering why you need the GPS tracker, then here are some reasons to justify this investment:
Wandering
According to a report, 60% of dementia patients wander. They can do so as a force of habit, agitation, boredom, or when they feel irritated due to hunger or something.
It is a matter of stress for the caregivers and their family members. Why? Because the patients can hurt themselves and can engage in road accidents.
If you cannot restrict this behavior, you can ensure their safety with the help of a GPS tracker. You can monitor the real-time location activity and bring them back home safe and sound.
Discover the best 10 real-time GPS trackers in the market here.
Freedom
Many elderly enjoy their freedom. You cannot just impose restrictions on it because of the disease. If they are in their early stage, they will protest against it.
You can let them enjoy their independence while ensuring their safety with the help of a GPS tracker. You can draw virtual fences over the map to get notified whenever they arrive or depart. You can also get alerts when they are late and get notified when they need help.
Peace of Mind
Most of the time, caregivers spend worrying about their loved ones. They are willing to take any step that can ensure the safety of their loved ones.
A GPS tracker provides maximum security to your loved one and ensures your peace of mind.
Active Lifestyle
Many doctors suggest patients with dementia or Alzheimer's carry out an active lifestyle.
You can also let your loved one enjoy their active lifestyle with the help of a GPS tracker. It allows you to set up virtual boundaries over the map, check their real-time location, or provide immediate assistance with the SOS button.
Emergency Aid
There are many times when you are not with your loved ones. But what if they suddenly need you or assistance? For example, in case of fire, fall, burglary, or accident. They can press the SOS button and call for immediate help to tackle the emergency.
How to Use GPS Trackers for Dementia Patients
How We Reviewed Best GPS Trackers For Dementia Patients
When reviewing the best GPS trackers for dementia patients, we kept major factors related to safety, simplicity in use, and reliability of devices at large. We look at real-time location tracking, how long their batteries last, or how easy it is to get emergency help. We base our selection process on assessing devices for their location update accuracy, and comfort to users, along with extra features like geofencing or SOS alerts. Still, each tracker was tested concerning how far it would help carers in monitoring their loved ones while giving peace of mind and independence to those living with dementia.
Frequently Asked Questions
GPS trackers are devices that allow caregivers or family members to monitor the location of a dementia patient who may be at risk of wandering or getting lost. These devices use global positioning technology to track the person's location and send alerts if they leave a predefined safe zone.
Look for a GPS tracker with real-time location tracking, long battery life, easy-to-use interface, and geofencing features. Some trackers may also have fall detection or emergency alert features.
Yes, most GPS trackers require a monthly subscription fee for the cellular data plan that allows them to transmit location data. Some devices may offer prepaid plans or annual subscriptions to save on costs.
Summary of Best GPS Trackers For Dementia Patients
| Product Name | Best For |
|---|---|
| Family1st | General tracking for dementia patients |
| AngelSense | Specialized tracking for dementia patients |
| Theora Connect | Elderly dementia patients tracking |
| Medical Guardian | Emergency response for dementia patients |
| Jiobit | Lightweight tracking for dementia |
Final Words
Investing in a GPS tracker for dementia patients is crucial for ensuring their safety and independence. Among the options available, the AngelSense GPS Tracker is highly recommended due to its comprehensive features, including real-time location tracking, an SOS button, fall detection, and two-way communication. This device provides peace of mind by allowing you to monitor their location and respond quickly in emergencies. Overall, a GPS tracker is a valuable tool for maintaining their well-being and your confidence in their safety.