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By Harriette Halepis

Ever since it was discovered that a simple GPS Tracker could save an Alzheimer’s patient from serious injury or death, a hot debate has been brewing. Some people argue that attaching a GPS tracker to an Alzheimer’s patient is inhumane. Others see GPS trackers as the only way to keep tabs on an elderly person at all times.

GPS Tracking & Alzheimers

Time and time again Alzheimer’s patients have died while wandering outside in cold weather. Many others have become lost while wandering too far away from home. Even though it has been proven that a GPS tracker can save a person’s life, this fact has not dissuaded some people from arguing that placing a tracking device on a person without that person’s knowledge is simply not right.

Some argue that placing a person with Alzheimer’s inside of a special care facility is the best course of action. However, most of these facilities use some type of tracking or warning bell device to prevent patients from leaving hospital grounds. Further, very few Alzheimer’s patients are aware that they have been placed inside of a special home, and this is just as much a violation of rights as any tracking device.

Still, the debate remains rather heated as more and more states across the nation consider the mandatory implementation of GPS tracking devices for Alzheimer’s patients. Many law enforcement officials feel that these trackers would prevent certain death and injury, while many more argue that forcing a person to wear a GPS tracking bracelet is illegal.

While both sides of this debate are valid, something must be done about Alzheimer’s deaths that could have been avoided with the help of GPS trackers. Is it humane to attach a GPS tracker to an Alzheimer’s patient? Is it humane not to try and prevent deaths that are caused by wandering? These questions remain unanswered, though it’s clear that an end to the Alzheimer’s vs. GPS tracking debate must be in sight.

Otherwise, it’s safe to assume that those who can afford to place Alzheimer’s patients in special care will also be able to prevent death, while those who cannot afford a care facility will have to decide between GPS trackers and the possibility of a loved one wandering away from home. It may not seem entirely humane to force an Alzheimer’s patient to wear a GPS tracker, but is it really any more humane to allow an accident to happen that could have been easily prevented?