GPS trackers for elderly

GPS trackers for seniors can be a helpful gadget, especially if you have a senior in your household or if you are caring for one. Elders with mental health conditions have a habit of wandering off, which can be draining for both the senior person and the caregiver.

What exactly are personal trackers?

They are not much different from the cellphones that we use for navigating. Like cellphones or navigation devices, trackers use Global Positioning System (GPS) to pinpoint the tracker’s location. GPS trackers can be put to good use for senior citizens’ safety.

Why are trackers so essential, and how do they help?

It is crucial to track elders because they tend to be forgetful and lose track of their surroundings. This can be seen in elders who have Alzheimer’s or Dementia, where elders tend to wander around and be unable to return home.

GPS tracking may sound like invading someone’s privacy to move around freely. However, in scenarios where senior adults prefer to live by themselves, the family or caregivers cannot keep an eye on the whereabouts of elders. This is where GPS tracking plays an important role.

The latest smartwatches are also equipped with GPS services. Apart from serving their namesake purpose, these devices have helpful features. Apart from location tracking, smartwatches help to keep track of vitalities. Health tracking is an additional incentive to smart trackers. Few gadgets being worn on the wrist can keep track of your pulse rate. Some smartwatches are responsive to these pulse rate changes and remind you to take necessary actions to bring the vitalities back to normal.

What are the Features to look out for in a GPS tracker?

While there is a never-ending list of the several features and the best devices to look out for in the market, we have shortlisted a few that shouldn’t be compromised.

1. Real-time tracking

Tracking devices transmit data to registered devices, and this can be real-time tracking or transmitting data at regular intervals. It is advised to resort to trackers that provide real-time tracking data to understand the elder’s movements better.

2. Design

Most trackers have been styled the modern way. When thinking about the right design, it’s best to keep in mind that the senior person should have it on them at all times. The tracker should be lightweight and compact and should be easy to carry around. GPS tracking bracelets are the most commonly seen designs.

3. Waterproof

Emphasizing the point that elders must have the tracker on themselves at all times, the device should be waterproof. This ensures that elders can wear the gadget even while taking baths or in the rains. Accidents such as slipping and falling in restrooms are common in seniors, and this would be the best time to have a smart tracker handy.

4. Battery

GPS is a high battery-consuming device; therefore, it is essential to evaluate the best option carefully. As most trackers are rechargeable, the longer-lasting battery would be a safe bet.

5. Monitoring system

The monitoring system is a device that is linked to the tracker. The tracker transmits data to this monitoring device. Like the tracker, it is vital to keep the monitoring device handy and a cellphone or tablet.

Also read: How to adapt new technology during the digital era?