When a loved one has dementia, life takes on various new challenges. One of those is keeping your loved one safe. It’s common for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s to experience memory impairment and to lose their ability to focus, pay attention and solve problems. This means they may wander off and get lost, and become distressed.
To help keep people with dementia or Alzheimer’s safe, Los Angeles, Calif.-based company GTX Corp has designed a pair of smart GPS shoe insoles that track the wearer’s movements.
According to the company’s website, the ergonomic, patented GPS SmartSole fits easily into most adult shoesjust like regular insoles. It eliminates the need for a separate tracking device, which someone with dementia might forget to take with them in the first place. It also avoids the stigma attached to visible types of wearable trackers.
“This is wearable technology that not only provides peace of mind, but can also save lives, while preserving the privacy and dignity of the wearer,” says the website.
Although the GPS SmartSole is noticeably thicker than a typical insole, the majority of people who’ve tried it find it to be comfortable, and don’t notice any difference in their shoes. To avoid discomfort, the company advises loosening the shoe’s laces or straps.
The GPS SmartSole retails at $299, but a service plan of $29.99 per month or $74.99 quarterly is required to keep them functional. An economy plan, which pings you less often and won’t provide geozone alerts, requires an activation fee, higher shipping costs and $14.95 a month. You’ll need access to GTX Corp’s mobile data network.
Here are two more smart tracker options to help you keep your loved with with dementia or Alzheimer’s safe and secure.
AngelSense
AngelSense, which attaches to clothing and can only be removed by the caregiver, is another GTX Corp product. It provides a daily report of location, routes, steps and transit speeds and instantly alerts the caregiver if their loved one is in an unfamiliar place or has not left for an appointment on time.
The AngelSense Guardian Kit, which includes the GPS device and sleeve, magnetic key, three fasteners and a charging cable, is currently on sale for $75, down from $225. A range of monthly reporting plans starting at $33.33 per month are available.
iTraq
iTraq pairs with a smartphone app to track a loved one, and includes a motion or fall sensor; it sends an alert to the caregiver if a fall is detected. The iTraq Nano, which is marketed as the world’s smallest all-in-one tracking device with global tracking, can last up to four months on one battery charge. It’s water- and dust-resistant and set up for wireless charging. It also has an SOS button that sends an instant notification of the wearer’s precise location. It is not a real-time tracker, but it also monitors temperature and can alert you when your loved one leaves a designated area.
The iTraq Nano is currently on sale for $129, which includes a one-month reporting plan. After that, you pay $5.90 a month or $59.00 a year for a service plan. Get a $10 off coupon code for providing your email address.
Do you know someone who could be made safer with one of these products?
This story originally appeared on Simplemost. Checkout Simplemost for other great tips and ideas to make the most out of life.
