Caregivers of dementia patients frequently feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility to stay up-to-date on their loved one's whereabouts at all times, both to ease stress and reduce anxiety for themselves and allow the person with dementia to enjoy outdoor activities without fear of getting lost. 
 
Electronic tracking devices offer caregivers various levels of information availability. This enables better care coordination and provides direct control over the tracking process. 
Location verification 
 
People living with dementia are susceptible to wandering, which requires various strategies for prevention such as restricting their environment or prescribing restraints or medication; however, these measures can have detrimental impacts on their quality of life. One solution could be using a GPS device which notifies local law enforcement should the individual go missing - particularly useful if living in an area offering Project Lifesaver programs. 
 
medical alert necklace Some individuals with dementia may find the devices violate their privacy and autonomy, as well as being uncomfortable or difficult to wear. Furthermore, these devices can be costly to operate regularly while needing charging every so often. 
 
Researchers looking to create a standardised scale for assessing acceptance and usability must include individuals living with dementia and their care partners, service providers, technology developers, as well as gender differences and cultures into their research process. This will ensure the scale is relevant across stakeholders. 
Constant tracking 
 
A dementia locator allows family members to track the whereabouts of a loved one living with dementia. It can alert you of their location on a map, and in an emergency will launch a community support network or law enforcement to reunite the individual with their family. 
 
Multiple devices use various technologies for tracking someone's location. Some contain GPS chips that send information directly to a smartphone app; while others utilize Bluetooth technology or GSM/UMTS/GPRS technology. Some are designed for wear on clothing while others can easily be stored away in pockets or bags. 
 
Many individuals in the early stages of dementia prefer to complete tasks and attend appointments independently, which increases their sense of wellbeing and integration. A GPS locator provides families with peace of mind that allows their loved one to continue such activities, while giving caregivers some much-needed respite time. 
Alerts 
 
If you have a loved one with dementia, there are various things you can do to make their home safer and reduce anxiety and restlessness. Chimes at all exits to their house and camouflage doorknob covers can help ensure they can find their way home without wandering off alone. In case they begin wandering off unexpectedly, be sure to get them a medical alert device which provides 24/7 access to a call centre so they can find their way back safely or activate a community network network in an emergency. 
 
 
When researching dementia locator devices, ensure the one you are considering features a cellular connection that works indoors as well as zone alerts that notify caregivers if someone moves into or out of predefined zones. You should also look into solutions that allow family members or professional caregivers to form search parties. 
Privacy 
 
Electronic tracking devices can be helpful in keeping those with dementia who wander safe, yet these devices raise ethical considerations that must be carefully considered prior to purchase. Keep in mind that no device is 100% secure; each situation must be assessed individually. 
 
Consideration must also be given to how companies present the value of their products to potential clients, with most emphasizing values and creating an "idealized world aspired towards." This finding suggests that people living with dementia are not the primary target audience for these devices. 
 
Participants with dementia, service providers, and caregivers all emphasized the need for discreet devices that were unobtrusive so as to reduce stigma and increase acceptance. Furthermore, it was stressed that any device shouldn't be too large or heavy as these factors could compromise its usability and compromise acceptance and usability. 

Homepage: https://getfamilyr.com/medical-alert/