I'm looking for a GPS for my loved one. I find it hard to believe the devices I find on email often require someone to punch a panic button. Not sure that a person with Alzheimer's has that ability. Medic alerts also require some type of ability to call for help or a panic button. Not sure my loved one would remember to do that. Most devices are not always with the person, i.e. at night when they have retired for the evening. I researched and bought one, but it works hit and miss. Any suggestions?
Most traditional medical alert monitoring systems rely on a pendant or button that your loved one must press in order to call for help. These systems are highly effective and save lives every day.
Some seniors, though, are at a higher risk of falling than others. There is the possibility that when your loved one falls, they may be unable to press their medical alert button to call for help. This is where Automatic Fall Detection comes in.
From the company called "Medical Guardian"--
Automatic fall detection technology is a newcomer to the medical alert monitoring industry and it’s not without some controversy, since they can’t detect 100% of all falls. Read our most frequently asked questions in regards to medical alert devices with fall detection to learn more.
I went to three or four different site searching for "GPS tracking devices for adults." and found the same ten items list on each.
They ranged from the typical necklace to a device that is fitted into the shoe under the insole.
I even found one device that is listed by LoJack, the same company that that tracks stolen cars.
I hope this helps.
A better idea might be a door alarm that you can put on the door so if it is opened you will be alerted.
This device can either be a bracelet or necklace. This company has their own trained 911 operators, so if you need any record of 911 calls, you do not need the Court to give you permission; IT IS YOUR ACCOUNT just like a banking account.
The device has a GPS contained within. It is also water proof so should the person fall in the bath tub/shower they can press for 911.
You will have access to the GPS like on a cellphone if you use the 360 app so family know exactly where you are on driving trips and know that you're home safe and sound.
The quote I got was $49.50 a month with a 3 month commitment of $149.00. There is only an agreement signed by you for this service. You do not have a contract. You do not have a fee for the services provided...GPS/911.
The call will go to the 911 operators, they contact you and it basically becomes a 3 way call. You provide them with a list of contacts in preference order in case they cannot contact you. In my case, any of my siblings should I decide will not be on that list.
I found this contained in one of the email letters AgingCare.com provides.
The cameras cost about $40 each and are easy to hook up to your WIFI. There is an app for your phone and you can check on them anytime. It swivels 360, has sound and motion detection (optional). Great product!!
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My Husband wandered a few times and the Police suggested that I contact the Mental Health Department where I am, they have a program called Care Trak and it is a watch like device that is worn on the wrist. A profile is done of the person, a photo is taken and this info is given to the police. When the person goes missing you call 911, tell the dispatcher that they are on Care Trak. The police set up a "command station" with all the info they have and an officer goes around in the car with an antenna that is set up to pick up the signal from the device. I was told this is better than GPS as the signal does not get lost if the person enters an area where signals are not clear.
the person with the device does have to be under 24 hour watch though. You can not leave them alone to go to the store, to work. It is for anyone that can not easily communicate. A person with dementia, autism are the perfect candidates.
There is also the collars that are put on dogs, you can set an acceptable range and you will be sent an alert if the collar is past the pre set boundary. I think the device can be removed from a collar and put on a belt, key chain.
And I have seen tracking devices that are placed in shoes.
Some of these have a monthly cost.
The Care Trak, I had to check the battery daily, log the checks and we had to go to the office 1 time a month to have the battery changed.
Easiest thing would be to check with your local police or county sheriff. If nothing else they would probably like to know that there is a potential that you may be calling for a wandering adult with dementia. I have found that they are nothing but helpful and understanding.
You're correct that the devices aren't always carried with the person at night, so what has to be done is place the device close to the person so it can be reached. But that could be an issue for someone with dementia who doesn't understand that the button has to be pushed.
The individual doesn't have to call, though. An emergency protocol is established when the contract is signed, listing first, second and third orders of emergency notification. So if my father doesn't answer when the monitoring service responds to a change in position, or if he pushes the button accidentally, I'm the first to be called. If I'm not available, EMS would be called as secondary.
It can also be on the charger at that time b/c it needs to be charged regularly.
The nighttime solution isn't optimum, but it's the best we've worked out so far.
If you google trackers for Alzheimer's patients you will get some ideas. The Alzhermers.net site has suggestions
www.alzheimers.net/8-8-14-location-devices-dementia/ Good Luck!