Technology for Wanderers

Three-part series with tech ideas to help care or keep track of older adults

Part 1

As caregivers we share numerous concerns regarding our love ones who need our attention and assistance. From worrying whether they are taking their medications correctly or wandering from their homes, we want to make sure that we are doing everything that we can to help them live the fullest life possible in spite of their disabilities. Some of us feel the need to be around these family members 24 hours per day 7 days per week in order to ensure their safety. No matter how hard we try, we are human and susceptible to burnout. Fortunately, over the last several years, technology has made our job a little less burdensome. This article will describe a number of technological advances that assist caregivers in providing the help our loved ones need when we cannot be around them all of the time. Where possible, I will try to provide links to the products, although as technology develops, some products are introduced to the market while other products are rebranded will or made obsolete by newer technology. Therefore, the links may not always be entirely accurate as technology is developing at a rapid speed.

GPS devices are available that can let us know the exact location of a certain person. If wandering is a concern, this is an absolute necessary device to check in on our family member.

Angel Sense (angelsense.com) is one such product. Originally designed for children, Angel Sense (left) now has products designed for the elderly and those with dementia and Alzheimer’s – especially those who have the potential to wander away from home. Not only can the systems monitor a person’s movements, but they can also send an alert if a family member wanders into an unexpected location. There are also add-ons that allow you to listen into the environment that the person is in, along with missing persons alert. This product, as well as many others, may require a monthly service plan, but in the long run, may be very cost effective.

Brickhouse Security (brickhousesecurity.com) is another personal tracking system that does not require a monthly fee.

When a loved one wanders off, family members may scramble to put together a search party. One of the cheapest and easiest solutions is the GPS SmartSole (right). This shoe insert can both track a patient’s location and send out intermittent alerts. The one drawback is that it requires people to actually put on their shoes. Luckily, there are lots of other devices that pinpoint locations, such as special wristwatches and bracelets.

For more tracking options, check out our second part of the series which includes ideas on how to help keep track of older drivers.