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by James Neely, freelance writer: click | HERE | to check out GPS products from Rocky Mountain Tracking

We have heard a lot of talk about the good that GPS Tracking devices can do for those with Alzheimer’s and related dementia disorders.  But, what about those who are not quite to the point of having been fully diagnosed?  Should they be left out of consideration?

Elderly Drivers & GPS

Consider the following story out of the Cincinnati, Ohio area to reinforce this point.  In this account, an elderly couple became lost on their way to a local store and ended up almost two hours and one state away.

Look, no one likes to speak up when it is time to tell elderly parents that it is time for them to surrender the keys to their cars, but it must be done.  This story could have had a disastrous ending for the couple and their family.

What makes this even more difficult of a decision is that with budget cuts abounding, it is hard for some citizens to find public transportation when they need it.

The one solution to help those who are still driving and are in this situation is to install a GPS Tracking device into vehicles that are driven by those who are at greatest risk.  Here’s the reasons why this makes sense:

Instant Location

With GPS Tracking installed, you never wonder where the vehicle is located.  In fact, you can monitor the location from a PC in your home or office.  Noticing where the car is and noting that something does not look right, can help trigger an assistance call to check up on the drivers / family members.

Trip Monitoring

Are your parents ‘snow birds?’  Do they travel the Interstates for long periods of time to get to and from their winter homes?  If so, then a GPS Tracking device is a MUST HAVE for them.  No one likes to think about their parents on the road by themselves with dangers all around them.  GPS Tracking allows you to breathe easier.

Speed Watching

Reports from these GPS Tracking units allow you to view speed data.  You can make sure that the drivers of these vehicles are obeying posted limits.  Also, should they be stopped and issued a ticket for excessive speed, you can fight that ticket if the evidence shows that they were in compliance with posted limits.

Banding Together

One solution to help the elderly get around to locations that they need to go is to find a transportation organization that specifically targets them for rides to and from stores in the area.

If you parents are still on the road, use a GPS Tracking device.  If you need to make a decision to revoke their driving privileges, then good luck.  It is not an easy situation either way, but one that must be met head-on.