Best Tracking Device for Dementia Patients

While you may not feel a need to keep track of your loved one’s movements in independent living communities, that may change if your family members' health declines and they enter an assisted living facility or nursing home. And, given how 73% of dementia caregivers opt for care at home, tracking could provide peace of mind even if your loved one isn’t in a facility.

Fortunately, there are solutions to this problem. These include purchasing a tracking smartwatch or a nonremovable tracking bracelet for dementia patients that keeps family and caregivers informed of loved ones' movements. These wearables send out alerts when loved ones travel beyond safe locations. Many also allow for instant communication with caregivers to assist family members with dementia if they become lost or disoriented. 

The five tracking devices for people with dementia covered in this article are comfortable, adjustable, and discrete. They are also intended for seniors or patients with dementia and have included safety features with the needs of this specific population in mind. Each device provides timely tracking alerts to caregivers to ensure that their loved ones do not wander beyond safe zones. All devices allow wearers and caregivers to quickly and easily interact with each other through the device.  

Caring.com consulted multiple dementia organization websites for lists of recommended tracking products for dementia patients. This helped to avoid many GPS tracking devices currently on the market that lack features that do not assist seniors with dementia and their families or caregivers. We do not receive a commission if you purchase a tracker.

We selected devices that have several useful safety features, including methods to avoid loss. An included SOS button and/or auto-pickup feature was also crucial for device wearers to communicate with first responders or their caregivers without needing to remember to touch a specific button. 

Caring.com prioritized comfortable, adjustable devices offered in various sizes, along with those that come with multiple attachments to be worn in different ways per user preference.

The caregiver experience was also a key consideration. Each device offers customizable alerts for caregivers to track their loved ones' movements and receive notifications when their family members travel beyond designated zones of safety. Many devices have helpful features, such as sending alerts when the SOS button is activated or the battery is low.

Finally, this list includes some affordable yet high-quality devices. Unfortunately, Medicare does not typically cover these items, and only certain Medicaid waivers in some states will pay for tracking device costs. Most companies offer different types of service plans for their devices at varying price points, and those who want to pay more for a higher-end design or additional features also have options that meet their unique needs.  

Keep your loved one safe with continuous, all-day GPS monitoring through AngelSense. The AngelSense is available as a watch or a nonremovable device that can be worn with a sleeve, watch band, or belt clip and attached to clothes, inside pockets, or within bags. The device monitors your loved one and keeps you informed with alerts when they move or have entered an unexpected place, in addition to maps that display their location in real time. 

Equipped with an SOS button for emergencies and an automatic, hands-free speakerphone for easy and instant communication, AngelSense provides peace of mind that help is available when needed.

Cost: $229 for wearable device or watch + a subscription plan ranging from $44.99/month for an annual plan to $64.99/month for the month-to-month plan. The monthly plan is $49.99/month.

Features:

• 24/7 real-time monitoring with phone or email alerts generated during movement and when entering unexpected places
• SOS call button and automatic pick-up assistive speakerphone for instant communication 
• Device alarm and shareable location and photo to assist first responders
• Available as a watch or a wearable device with multiple nonremovable attachment options
• Backed by a 30-day satisfaction guarantee

Built for compatibility with most adult shoe sizes, the Metalert GPS-enabled Smart Sole is an insert that fits discreetly in your loved one's shoe. The device uses a 4G cellular network connection with a coverage area that spans all 50 states and includes a lithium-polymer battery that lasts up to four days. 

Caregivers can track their loved ones' location history via an app and an online portal, which also allows them to customize settings and receive analytical reports. When a loved one goes beyond specified perimeters, caregivers can receive unlimited text or email alerts. 

Cost: $359 for the Smart Sole device + a service plan. Monthly service plans are $29.95 a month and quarterly plans are $74.95 a quarter. Customers can also pay $144.95 biannually or $274.95 for a year-long plan. 

Features:

• Discreetly and conveniently hides in a shoe, making it unlikely to be misplaced or forgotten
• Uses a 4G cellular network with coverage in all 50 states 
• Water resistant with battery power that lasts up to 4 days
• 14-day returns and limited warranty covers hardware
• Fits most shoe sizes and comes in small, medium, and large options

The Theora Connect Wearable device is a smartwatch that uses GPS tracking to provide accurate location tracking. Caregivers can download the Theora Link mobile app to monitor device location and easily communicate with its wearer. 

With an auto-answer feature for caregiver calls, alerts when the device goes beyond safety zones, and an SOS button that connects users with primary caregivers, the Theora Connect Wearable can ensure that wearers remain safe at all times. The company also offers an optional locking clasp to prevent device removal.      

Cost: $247.97 for device + one-time $39.97 activation fee and $29.97 monthly cellular fee

Features:

• Smartwatch design available in short or long band sizes
• Accurate GPS tracking enables caregivers to monitor device location
• Auto-answer call feature connects caregivers to device users automatically
• Safety zone setup, elopement alerts, included SOS button that connects to primary caregiver
• Optional lockable clasp available for $49.97

The small, discrete Spark Nano 7 operates with 4G coverage throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Caregivers can monitor the device's location in real time via a mobile app or internet browser and receive personalized alerts when it enters or exits specified areas. 

Customers can choose from tracking intervals of one minute, 30 seconds, or five seconds. Battery power lasts 14 hours with constant tracking and up to seven days with average use. Customers receive lifetime tech support and warranty service, along with easy returns backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Cost: $9.99 device fee + subscription plan ranging from $17.99/month for the annual Basic Plan to $34.99/month for the annual Premium Plan. The mid-priced Plus Plan is $27.99/month if paid annually. Monthly plans are 30% more expensive than annual plans, and quarterly plans are 10% more expensive than annual plans. 

Features:

• Free two-day shipping and 30-day money-back guarantee
• 4G coverage throughout North America
• Provides real-time tracking via mobile app or internet browser
• Instant location alerts, SOS button activation alerts, and low battery alerts
• Choice of different tracking interval plans at a range of price points
• Compact size makes this device discrete and allows multiple wearable options

The Tranquil GPS Watch provides caregivers with 24/7 GPS tracking of their loved ones' movements via a mobile app and call, app, or email alerts when they leave the house or travel outside of set safe zones. It supports two-way calling with auto-answer so wearers can be reached when needed. 

This functional, attractive, higher-end device features a sleek and fashionable watch design edged in stainless steel and a comfortable and durable leather strap. The Tranquil GPS watch offers up to a week of battery life, is fully waterproof, and comes with a free tamper-proof locking strap.  

Cost: $695 device fee + subscription plan ranging from $54.95/month for the monthly plan to $44.95/month for the annual plan. 

Features:

• Free shipping and returns, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee
• Fully waterproof with an exceptionally long battery life of up to a week 
• Seven-day customer support and step-by-step setup videos for ease of use 
• Available in four different designs and comes with a free extra locking strap
• SOS button, two-way calls, auto-answer feature

Tracking devices for people with dementia keep caregivers informed of their location in real time and allow caregivers to communicate with device wearers. Devices also typically come with an SOS button for emergency situations. Often customizable by size, length, and/or style, seniors can select a GPS bracelet or wearable sleeve that is comfortable, discrete, and functional.