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GPS tracking technology has revolutionized several industries by allowing users to remotely track the location of valuable property. Missing smartphones and vehicles can be tracked from anywhere with internet access. Remote species of birds and solitary wildlife can be studied from a safe, unimposing distance. One of the more recent uses for GPS tracking has been developed for the wandering elderly population suffering from degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The technology has already been used to track autistic children, who are also at high risk of wandering off and getting lost.

There are few things more stressful for caregivers, family and friends, than when a loved one goes missing. Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease often cause the sufferer to be confused and wonder off, sometimes searching for a childhood home. It is scary enough getting lost as an independent, capable adult, but when it happens to young children, the elderly or disabled people, it can be life threatening. The earlier the person is located, the better his or her chances of returning home safely. There is no way to guarantee that your loved one won’t wander off, but with GPS tracking, he or she can be found quickly and easily.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) and Breadcrumb L.L.C. announced earlier this month, that they have developed a GPS device and monitoring system for elderly patients and their caregivers. The GPS tracking device is called the BC300, and though it is not the first tracking devices designed for Alzheimer’s patients, it is the first to be offered through QVC, a leading multimedia retailer. The device comes with a charging station, adapter, rechargeable batteries, USB cable, attachment bands and instructional DVD. In addition to QVC’s online store, the tracking system will also be available at alzfdn.org (AFA’s online store) and breadcrumbgps.com (Breadcrumb’s store).

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As the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 5 million Americans. A degenerative brain disease, Alzheimer’s affects memory, language, and ability to make judgments. A person with severe Alzheimer’s will not recognize loved ones or be able to care for themselves. While this may be the most difficult stage for family members, the mild – severe stage is much more dangerous for the Alzheimer’s patient. During this stage, the patient is still able to walk and get around by themselves.

However, because of extensive brain damage, an Alzheimer’s patient may wander off and be unable to remember how to get home. According to some statistics, 70% of Alzheimer’s patients get lost at least once.

If not found soon, these patients are in serious danger of losing their lives. This tendency to wander and forget where they are is a big concern to many family members of Alzheimer’s patients. Fortunately, there is a practical solution to the problem.

With a GPS tracking device, family members or friends can know the location of their loved one at all times, day or night. Since Alzheimer’s patients in the moderate stage usually only have brain damage, they can be out of sight of their caregivers in a moment.

If the patient is wearing a GPS tracking device, the caregiver can easily locate the patient and bring them back to safety. If the patient is not being tracked by the satellite-powered devices, they could be lost for days before police discover them.

One tragic story of a woman in Montreal who disappeared last week resulted in a horrifying experience for her family members. Another woman who was also diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disappeared later the same week, but was found by police officers after a 22-hour search. Although the second woman was found safe and sound on the street, no doubt her family fears a reoccurance of this frightening event. The family could reduce the possibility of their loved one getting lost again with a small, satellite-powered device. Several researchers have developed GPS devices designed for dementia patients and others at similar risk.

After John Brohan’s father developed Alzheimer’s, Brohan, a computer programmer in Montreal, developed a device that would give he and his mother peace of mind. Brohan designed a GPS tracking device that currently provides reassurance to hundreds families who have loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Tracking devices for seniors are a wonderful way to provide peace of mind.

Article Written by Greg Bartlett

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With over 25 million people suffering from the disease, many of us are familiar with the dangers and fears that accompany the care of a family member or loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease. Perhaps chief among those fears is a wandering loved one who might become lost. Alzheimer’s sufferers are known for their lapses of memory and subsequent disappearances. Once a loved one wanders, finding him or her before disaster strikes can be a monumental challenge. However, GPS Tracking may provide the solution to keeping your loved ones safe.

GPS personal tracking operates the same way as other GPS tracking devices. For example, when tracking valuable items, a person might conceal a device on the item, such as a vehicle or painting. If a the item (with attached device) should be stolen, the GPS will interact with satellites orbiting the earth and help investigators locate the missing property. With a personal tracking device, the device is placed in the loved one’s shoe, wallet, or perhaps another concealable spot. The devices can even be worn as bracelets. If a caretaker discovers their charge has wandered, the tracking device can be used to monitor the location and movements of the Alzheimer’s patient. The caretaker and/or the authorities can then find the location of the wandering individual with pinpointed accuracy, and bring him or her to safety.

These GPS trackers have provided invaluable assistance to families coping with a grandparent or parent suffering from Alzheimer’s. Used in conjunction with a proper care plan (appropriate supervision, medication, and doctor’s advice), the GPS trackers an become an invaluable part of day to day living for those taking care of an Alzheimer’s patient. With wandering Alzheimer’s victims often getting in car accidents, dying of starvation cold, and falling prey to other disasters, any family with a parent, grandparent, or loved one suffering from the disease should consider the devices as a part of necessary care.

Families and individuals don’t have to limit their use of these devices to only Alzheimer’s patients. These personal tracking units have a variety of other use as well. Use them to keep tabs on your child if you live in a dangerous neighborhood, go on vacation in an unfamiliar area, or have any reason to worry for his or or her safety. Use them to monitor an unfaithful spouse, or to find a missing animal. In today’s uncertain world, families need to take precautions. Make personal tracking part of your game plan against danger.

Article Written by Greg Bartlett

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If you are part of the sandwich generation, that population of adults who are feeling the strain of caring for both their parents and their children, then you may appreciate what GPS tracking devices can do to lighten your load and put your mind at ease. We’ve mentioned the ways in which a GPS device can assist parents in keep track of children, and now we turn to the other part of the equation: GPS tracking devices can also help parents keep up with their parents and other older relatives.

After all the time they spent caring for you, the role reversal of having to care for parents can be jarring. But since it must be done, why not get technology on your side?

If you have a parent who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease or even a parent who can manage well, but is just a little forgetful, you may want to consider getting a GPS tracking device for them. This will assure you that you will know where they are at all times. If, for some reason, they should become lost or disoriented, you will be able to reach them quickly.

If your parents are still out and about driving themselves, but they have been known to get lost, then a GPS vehicle tracking device can help in that situation too. For seniors who are quite active, a GPS device to track your parents or a person in your care can act as a “just in case” tool, something that can act as a safeguard and something will be there in an emergency.

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