Does anybody use GPS tracking for their loved ones with dementia? Suggestions?

I think part of the research should be on the strongest signal for your area. You want reliable coverage. I'm sure others here in the community have brands/services to recommend so keep watching.

We'd love to know what you chose and how it's working.
Take care of yourself, too.
Carol

Shannon, no link or identification was in your post. I've read that links are deleted so perhaps that happened.

I recently arranged for a Life Alert device to be provided for my father, after contacting several providers with a list of the same questions for each.

Some had advertised in AARP publications, others were listed in a search I found for local providers. Some of the AARP advertisers refused to give information and tried to get my address so they could send me their literature. They were eliminated from consideration quickly.

One didn't return my call for a few days; that didn't demonstrate the kind of 24/7 monitoring I want so they were eliminated as well.

I eventually chose Guardian Alarm because they were more honest about the limitations of GPS tracking than other suppliers, including some I contacted from literature obtained at an AAA Expo.

Guardian said they weren't satisfied with the GPS devices but were experimenting with others. This was as of last fall.

We did find that their GPS tracking does work as my father was contacted at the laundrymat when he bent over to get clothes from the washer. Movement alerts the monitors, who call to determine if there are urgent issues, i.e., falls. So we know that it works for at least a few mile range.

Shannon, Guardian does provide home security but has also branched into the medical monitoring program. I'd provide a link but I think the system here automatically filters out commercial links.

If you can't find anything on them, PM me and I'll look up contact information for you.

The observations you make about the delays in GPS tracking are I believe why Guardian felt that the technology wasn't yet up to par. At least they honest; reps/sales people from the other services were not and just bragged about how great GPS and how it would monitor seniors wherever they went.

The GPS Smartsole is a tracking device for long-term care dependents who suffered from dementia, Alzheimer's and other cognitive impairment. It can be easily implanted in the user's shoes, which can also prevent them from wandering. Here's the link to the details of the product:
http://www.infolongtermcare.org/iltc-news/gps-shoes-aid-memory-care/

Hello Shannon, the link is included in the article, but if you can't find it, check it out here:

gpssmartsole/gps-smart-sole.php

This one comes up a lot when I'm searching...anyone have any experience with this brand?

Well great...LOL...I tried looking it up again and now of course I can't find the link to the product and of course I don't remember the name of the product.

Well I looked at what Alzheimer's Association was offering, but it really isn't all that great from what I can tell only giving you a location every 15 min or every 30 min depending on your package. Says if person leaves the zone it could take up to 30 min after they left for you to get an alert.

That isn't so good. So I'm going to keep trying to find one that is real time alerts and is constantly in communication, rather then every 15-30 minutes.

I looked up Guardian Alarms on line, but it looks like a house alarm system...I have not checked the links out yet, and I don't know if it is even here in Denver...so will look closer. Thanks for the info.

I did find it thank you. I will look further into what they are offering today. The one company that I had found and don't remember the name...LOL...had mentioned this about GPS systems not always connecting with three towers, but they had developed a system that could use one to get a general idea of location if the other signals were not present. Sigh...I need to get something soon though so will look at Guardian. Thanks!!

Karen, I looked at those and it seemed as though they were not available on the market yet. They have a pre order but I can't find them anywhere for sale right now. I'll maybe give them a call if I can find a number...I really like the idea.

I've emailed the gps smart soul company asking when their product will be on the market. Everything points to a lot of development and buzz but no actual product being produced at this time for market.

I have not heard back from them yet, but will wait a couple of days to see.

Thanks BTW...I think this is a great tech an would like to try it.