Considerations

Technologies have changed along with an increasing need for wearable devices for people at risk to wander due to Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Available options today have many challenges:

Smartphones and unsecured devices can be left behind, lost or misplaced.
Most devices need to be charged every day.
Most rely solely on cellular or GPS signals which may not be available inside buildings, under forest cover or in rural areas.
Many require the person to be cognitive and capable of using or activating the device when they realize they are in danger.
Most devices are not waterproof for daily active living.
Most devices have external controls/buttons that can be tampered with, rendering them useless in an emergency.

Important Considerations when buying a
TRACKING/ LOCATING DEVICE

Where will the technology likely be used (in a private residence, a care facility, indoors, outdoors or in multiple locations)?

Is the device worn on body or around the neck as a pendant? Some bracelets can be locked on to the wrist and therefore…

Is the tracking accomplished with A-GPS and Cell LBS backup? A-GPS (assisted GPS) can provide indoor positioning..

Is there a Fall Detection Alert? There are dangers that can be as simple as a fall. Attention by a caregiver …

Does the device have a Variable VHF Safety Zone? Online applications allow families to proactively manage..

How often do you need to recharge the device? The fewer the charges the better because over time continual…