Selecting the right location-tracking device that is effective and suited to your loved one’s preference is an important decision. There are various factors that caregivers can consider when selecting a device that ensures safety which is also suitable as dementia progresses.  

We have listed some helpful tips and considerations to help caregivers to make the right choice. 

1. Physical Activity Level  

A good starting point is to consider the current physical activity level of your loved one with dementia: What does the daily routine look like? Their specific preferences such as time of day when going about certain activities or their preference for more outdoor or indoor activities.  This gives you a sense of the kind of places your loved one frequents, as well as safety precautions to take note of.  

For example, if your loved one prefers to go outdoors, selecting devices that offer more precise location tracking with a longer battery life, water resistant, and have more robust features such as fall detection can be considered.  

2. Lifestyle Preferences 

Caregivers can also consider how location-tracking devices can help their loved ones maintain their routines and interests for as long a period as possible. Understanding lifestyle preferences can also help caregivers determine if the devices should be carried or worn, how discreet these devices are, and whether incorporating alerts and prompts at appropriate times can help support their lifestyles.  

Location-tracking devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many of these devices are small,  which can be placed on keyrings or wearable items, such as watches, jewelry and even shoes’ in-soles. Caregivers can choose from a range of designs based on preferences of their loved ones.  

As dementia progresses, your loved one may gradually forget to use the tracking device. It is advisable for you to talk about these interventions early to give your loved one time to get used to using the device as part of the daily routine. 

3. Upkeep & Maintenance 

Just like a mobile phone, location-tracking devices need to be charged  to be effective for outdoors use. GPS trackers typically require more frequent charging, which is an important factor to consider.  

4. Compatibility  

Check that the device is compatible with the caregiver’s smartphones and other portable devices. Some location-tracking solutions allow for more than one caregiver to view location information and receive alerts. It is, thus, helpful to select devices that can work across the various mobile operating platforms to maximise effectiveness.  

5. Be Ready to Improvise 

Caregivers can also consider using different solutions at different stages of dementia to ensure the technology can supplement the abilities of their loved ones.  

For example, at the mild stage of dementia where persons living with dementia may still be able to manage their mobile phones, it is possible for the mobile phone to serve as  a tracking device with installed maps such as Google Maps or OneMap that generally helps with wayfinding and can be improvised to help with remote monitoring. As dementia progresses, caregivers can then consider GPS-location trackers with other features such as fall detection and geofencing.   

Read our article on 10 Ideas for Outdoor Monitoring to find out more about alternative solutions. 

6. Contingency Planning 

Caregivers and other family members should always discuss implementing an appropriate backup plan in cases where location-tracking devices fail to work or if the person living with dementia removes or misplaces the device. Technology is never 100% failproof and early planning for sources of support available to the caregiver would be a worthwhile exercise for the family to be able to intervene when situations escalate.