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Choosing a GPS tracker for a person with dementia

Key points

  • Choose a tracker that is comfortable, easy to wear, and fits your loved one's lifestyle—test it before relying on it.
  • Prioritize battery life, cellular coverage, and subscription costs—a dead tracker is no help in an emergency.
  • Involve your loved one in the decision and explain the tracker as a tool for safety and independence, not surveillance.
  • Always have a backup plan: a recent photo, daily clothing notes, and a list of contacts for when the tracker fails.
  • Combine the tracker with other safety measures like home modifications, a wandering plan, and informing neighbors and local authorities.
  • Consult with healthcare professionals to ensure the tracker is appropriate for your loved one's specific condition and stage.

General caregiving information, not medical advice. Check medications and major care changes with your clinician.

Step-by-step

  1. Start by assessing your loved one's wandering risk and daily habits. Note if they tend to wander at certain times (e.g., after dinner or when agitated) and whether they are likely to remove or lose a wearable device. This will guide your choice of tracker style.

  2. Look for a tracker with a simple, intuitive interface for you, the caregiver. The app or website should show a clear map with the person's location, allow you to set up 'safe zones' (geofences) that alert you if they leave, and provide a history of their movements. Avoid devices with complicated menus or settings.

  3. Choose a form factor that your loved one will tolerate. Options include a watch-style tracker, a pendant on a necklace, a clip-on device for a belt or pocket, or even a tracker that slips into a shoe sole. If they fidget or remove jewelry, a shoe-based tracker may be best. If they enjoy wearing a watch, a smartwatch-style tracker can work well.

  4. Prioritize battery life. Look for a device that lasts at least 24–48 hours on a single charge, or consider a model with a replaceable battery. Set a daily routine to charge the device (e.g., overnight) and keep a spare charger handy. Some trackers also have a low-battery alert sent to your phone.

  5. Check the device's cellular coverage and subscription requirements. Most GPS trackers use a cellular network (like 4G LTE) to send location data. Ensure the device works in your area and that the subscription cost fits your budget. Some devices offer month-to-month plans with no long-term contract.

  6. Test the tracker's accuracy and speed. Before relying on it, take the device on a walk around your neighborhood and check that the location updates are accurate and timely (within a few seconds to a minute). If the tracker is slow or inaccurate, consider a different model.

  7. Create a backup plan for when the tracker fails (e.g., battery dies, no cellular signal). Keep an up-to-date, clear photo of your loved one, note what they are wearing each day, and have a list of phone numbers to call for help (neighbors, family, local police). Inform neighbors and local authorities that you care for someone with dementia who may wander, so they can alert you quickly if they see them alone.

  8. Introduce the tracker to your loved one in a positive, reassuring way. Say something like, 'This is a special bracelet that helps me know you're safe when you go for walks. It lets me see where you are so I don't worry.' Let them wear it for short periods at first, and praise them for keeping it on.

What not to do

  • Don't choose a tracker based solely on price or brand without testing its ease of use. A cheap device with a confusing app will cause more stress than it solves. Instead, read reviews from other dementia caregivers and consider a trial period if available.

  • Don't assume your loved one will automatically wear the tracker. Many people with dementia may remove or hide devices that feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable. Instead, involve them in choosing the style and color, and explain its purpose in simple, positive terms. If they resist, try a different form factor (e.g., shoe tracker instead of a bracelet).

  • Don't rely on the tracker as your only safety measure. GPS devices are tools, not replacements for supervision or a broader safety plan. Instead, combine the tracker with home safety measures (like locks, alarms, and clear signage), regular check-ins, and a wandering emergency plan.

  • Don't forget to update the tracker's software and check for firmware updates. An outdated device may have bugs or security issues. Instead, set a monthly reminder to check for updates and keep the app current on your phone.

  • Don't ignore the subscription costs. Some trackers require a monthly fee that can add up over time. Instead, factor this into your budget and look for devices with affordable, flexible plans. Some medical alert systems also offer GPS tracking as part of their service.

Practical tools

  • The 'Wandering Safety Plan' Checklist

    Create a one-page document that includes: an up-close, clear photo of your loved one (updated every 6 months), a brief list of their medical conditions and medications, what they are wearing today, and a list of names and phone numbers to call immediately (neighbors, family, local police station). Keep this by the door and share a copy with a trusted neighbor. This is your backup if the tracker fails or if your loved one leaves without the device.

  • The 'Shoe Sole' Tracker Hack

    If your loved one removes or loses wearable trackers, consider a small, discreet GPS tracker designed to slip under the shoe insole or attach to the shoelaces. This is less likely to be noticed or removed. Brands like 'AngelSense' or 'Jiobit' offer small, durable trackers that can be placed in shoes. Test that the tracker stays in place during walking and does not cause discomfort.

  • The 'Road ID' Style Identification Bracelet

    Even if you use a GPS tracker, a simple ID bracelet or necklace with your loved one's name, your phone number, and 'memory issues' engraved on it provides a backup if the tracker is lost or fails. You can order personalized bracelets from sites like RoadID.com or search for 'personalized medical ID bracelets' online. Choose a color and style they like—maybe even get one for yourself as a matching set to normalize it.

  • The 'Safe Zone' Geofence Setup

    Most GPS tracker apps allow you to set up virtual boundaries (geofences) around your home, yard, or other safe areas. When your loved one leaves this zone, you get an instant alert on your phone. Set the zone to include the house and a small perimeter (e.g., 100 feet) to avoid false alarms from them stepping onto the porch. Test the alert by walking the boundary yourself.

  • The 'Daily Wear' Routine

    Create a simple daily routine around the tracker: charge it overnight, put it on your loved one in the morning while they are calm (e.g., after breakfast), and check the battery level before they go out. Use a consistent phrase like, 'Time to put on your safety bracelet so we can have a good day.' If they resist, try attaching it while they are distracted (e.g., watching TV) or offer a small reward for wearing it.

Discuss with your clinician

Ask your loved one's doctor or neurologist: 'Given my loved one's stage of dementia and wandering risk, do you recommend a GPS tracker as part of their safety plan? Are there any medical conditions (like skin sensitivity or cognitive fluctuations) that might affect which type of tracker is best?'

Discuss with the doctor: 'Are there any medications or treatments that could reduce wandering behavior, so we can use the tracker as a backup rather than a primary solution?'

If your loved one has a history of falls or mobility issues, ask: 'Should we consider a tracker with fall detection, or is a simple GPS tracker sufficient? How do we balance safety with their need for physical activity?'

If your loved one is in a facility, ask the care team: 'What is your policy on personal GPS trackers? Do you have any recommendations for devices that work well with your existing safety systems?'

Related guides

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