Why GPS Tracking Can Help
Wandering is one of the most common and dangerous behaviours associated with dementia. Around 60% of people with dementia will wander at some point, often becoming disoriented and unable to find their way home. In cold weather or busy traffic, this can quickly become a life-threatening situation.
A GPS tracker allows carers and family members to locate a person with dementia quickly if they go missing. Many devices also include features such as safe zone alerts, SOS buttons, and two-way calling, which provide an extra layer of safety without restricting the person’s independence unnecessarily.
Types of GPS Trackers
GPS Watches
A GPS watch looks and feels like a normal wristwatch. This makes it the most discreet option. The person wears it throughout the day, and it continuously tracks their location. Many GPS watches include:
- Real-time location tracking via a smartphone app
- SOS button for emergencies
- Geo-fencing (alerts when the wearer leaves a defined safe area)
- Two-way voice calling
- Step counter and heart rate monitoring (on some models)
GPS watches are a good choice for people in the early to moderate stages of dementia who are used to wearing a watch.
GPS Pendants and Keyfobs
These are small devices worn around the neck or attached to a keyring. They are simpler than watches and typically have just an SOS button and location tracking. They suit people who do not like wearing a watch or who might fiddle with and remove a watch-style device.
GPS Shoe Insoles
GPS insoles fit inside shoes and track the wearer’s location without them needing to remember to put on or carry a separate device. This is particularly useful for people in later stages of dementia who may remove wearable devices. The downside is that they only track when the person is wearing those specific shoes.
Clip-On and Pocket Trackers
Small GPS units that can be clipped to a belt, placed in a pocket, or sewn into clothing. These offer flexibility but carry a higher risk of being lost or left behind.
Key Features to Look For
- Real-time tracking with frequent location updates (every 1 to 5 minutes when moving)
- Geo-fencing that sends alerts when the person leaves or enters set zones
- SOS button that the person can press if they feel lost or frightened
- Long battery life – at least 24 hours, ideally 2 to 5 days between charges
- Waterproof rating so it can be worn in the rain or shower
- Comfortable and familiar design that the person will not want to remove
- Easy charging with a magnetic or cradle charger rather than fiddly cables
- Fall detection on some models, which automatically alerts carers
- Location history so you can see patterns and identify concerning changes in routine
Costs
GPS trackers for dementia typically involve two costs: the device itself and an ongoing subscription for the mobile data and tracking service.
- Device cost: £50 to £250, depending on features and brand
- Monthly subscription: £5 to £25 per month for the SIM card and tracking platform
- Some providers bundle both into a single monthly payment of £15 to £35
Ethical Considerations
Using a GPS tracker to monitor someone with dementia raises important ethical questions about privacy, consent, and autonomy. It is important to consider these carefully:
- Involve the person in the decision as early as possible, ideally while they still have capacity to understand and agree
- Frame it positively as a safety tool that allows more freedom, not a surveillance device
- Use the least restrictive option that meets the safety need
- Record the decision and your reasons, particularly if the person lacks capacity to consent. Consider consulting other family members or a healthcare professional
- Review regularly whether the tracker is still appropriate as the person’s condition changes
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (in England and Wales) requires that any decision made on behalf of someone who lacks capacity must be in their best interests. Using a GPS tracker to prevent a vulnerable person from coming to harm is generally considered a proportionate and reasonable measure.
Where to Get Help
Your local council’s adult social care team or the Alzheimer’s Society can advise on GPS trackers and other assistive technology for people with dementia. Some councils include GPS trackers as part of their telecare service, which may reduce the cost.