Many of us view retirement as the age to relax, slow down, and peacefully enjoy the rest of life without any worry about earning. But we often forget what comes with it. With aging, the human body undergoes several changes. Even a task as simple as taking a walk around the neighborhood or making coffee can become tiresome. And hence, they need more care and support.
Most American senior citizens live independently, without their families living with them or in an old-age care home. Living in isolation in their homes without proper care can increase the risk of illness and injuries. As a child, it is our responsibility to provide our aging parent’s love, care, and security they deserve.
While you cannot physically stay with your elderly for 24 hours, you can still protect them and monitor their activities virtually. A GPS tracker is a tracking device that can help you remain connected with your parents from far away.
In this way, you will not hinder their independence and can still ensure their safety. Nowadays, you can find different GPS trackers with various safety features such as fall detection, SOS buttons, smart alerts, geofencing, etc. These are also helpful in caring for the elderly with degenerative diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s.
So, if you are looking for a GPS tracker to safeguard your elderly, here is a guide and recommendation to make your search easier.
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GPS Tracker Or Tracking App For the Elderly- Which One Is The Best For You?
You can find two different alternatives to track your elderly out there. One is a GPS tracker, and the other is a tracking app.
A mobile application is a cheaper alternative to a GPS tracker. It allows you to track the elderly and provides added features with a subscription fee. Some of them also have an emergency button that your loved one can press to call for immediate help.
But in practical terms, it is only partly helpful.
- According to a report, only 62% of older Americans can use smartphones. Many of them cannot use a smartphone application to call for help in an emergency.
- Secondly, if your parents suffering from dementia or Alzheimer’s tend to forget things, they may leave their smartphones at home or somewhere else.
- The other reason is it is not always possible to carry a phone everywhere. For example, to the bathroom. But do you know that most fall accidents happen on the slippery bathroom floor?
- Moreover, the tracking apps drain phone batteries at a faster rate. They cannot tell you the accurate location and depend on the phone’s performance and other apps.
And hence, it is not wrong to say that mobile applications are handy. But you cannot always rely on them for the safety of your parents.
And this is why we recommend you buy a dedicated GPS tracking device.
A GPS tracker is an indispensable tool that can help you to track the whereabouts of your elderly. You can ensure their safety without restraining them or taking them. It provides you peace of mind and provides your parents freedom to enjoy their life as they want.
Most GPS devices also provide additional safety features to ensure complete protection for your loved ones. Some of them are:-
- Real-time location tracking
- SOS alert
- Geofencing alerts
- Fall detection
- Movement alert
- Low battery alert
- Assistive speakerphone
Benefits Of a GPS Tracker For Your Elderly
There are several security risks senior citizens face in their lives. Some are due to physical or mental health, while others can be due to external conditions.
A GPS tracker can be helpful for a senior citizen in several ways. Here are some real-life examples of how a GPS tracker can help you and the elderly face daily challenges and enjoy life.
Example 1- Way To Care/ Community Centre
A care center can be a second home for many senior citizens. Here they can meet others of similar age and befriend them. It helps them to cope with depression caused due to isolation.
Senior citizens who live alone often go to community halls and centers to meet others like them and share stories. While this is a great way to keep them busy, how they reach there can cause worry. They might take the bus to their destination or walk down the street. Given their age, reacting, listening, or perceiving their environment can be difficult.
You can use a GPS tracker to ensure their safety in this situation. They can either wear it as a lanyard around their neck or clip them in their clothes. Now wherever they go, you can monitor them. You can even set geo zones to get alerts when they reach or leave the determined location.
Example 2- Driving A Car
Do you know that more than 45 million licensed drivers in the USA are over 65 years old?
Senior citizens of the USA love to drive cars to carry out their daily activities and enjoy their independence. Let it be shopping for groceries or going for a regular checkup. But their family and caretakers are left worried about their safety.
Instead of depriving them of their freedom, you can put a GPS tracker in their vehicle and get their detailed driving reports. You can view in real-time their location and driving speed. It also has the SOS button that they can press in case of an emergency.
Example 3- Elderly with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
Around 5.6 million senior citizens in America have Alzheimer’s, dementia, diabetes, or other life-threatening diseases. It is a daunting figure, and if your parents or loved ones suffer from it, you have to pay extra attention to them.
A GPS tracker can prove to be life-saving for them. While patients suffering from these diseases tend to forget things and get disoriented, it can help them to reduce their difficulties.
- It can help them to find where they have parked the car.
- It can help to avoid wandering and getting lost.
- You can use assistive speakerphone or two-way communication features to talk to them and calm them.
- They can attach it to their belongings and find them easily.
- If they go out for a walk and forget their way back, you can locate them using the GPS tracker.
Example 4- Fall Or Slip Accident
Fall accidents are common in older ages. According to a report, 36 million senior citizens suffer severe injuries due to falls every year.
Falling at this age can be detrimental for them. They can suffer from broken bones and other serious injuries. In extreme cases, it can cause death too.
You can avoid falls by doing home modifications such as installing anti-slip mats and railing to hold and walk, removing unnecessary clutter, fixing leaks, and more.
Most falls happen in the bathroom because of the wet and slippery floor. While sometimes they cannot avoid falls, you can reduce the risk of injuries by providing immediate help.
Some of the GPS trackers in the market come with a fall detection feature. As soon as the device detects a fall, it sends immediate alerts to the caregivers and 911.
12 GPS Trackers for the Elderly In 2023
Disclaimer: The purpose of this article is to LIST the best products in the market, and not to review or rank them. All the products listed here have several unique features catering to a wide range of customer requirements.
Family1st Portable Elderly GPS Tracker
The Family1st Senior GPS Tracker is an invaluable tool for those looking for an effective and dependable way to keep their loved ones safe. At $25.95, this GPS tracker provides a comprehensive set of capabilities tailored exclusively to the needs of seniors.
The Family1st GPS tracker offers sophisticated Safeguard GPS technology, which ensures the most precise location tracking. This is especially important for seniors, especially those suffering from illnesses such as dementia and Alzheimer’s because it allows for quick and accurate location identification in the event that they wander or leave safe zones.
SOS alerts, geofencing alerts, low battery alerts, and more customized alerts and notifications are available with the tracker. These notifications are sent via email and SMS, keeping caregivers and family members up to date on any potential difficulties or crises in real-time.
The availability of live support 24 hours a day, seven days a week is a lifeline for both seniors and caregivers. Knowing that assistance is always available brings comfort, especially during emergencies.
The monthly membership fee of $21.95 includes a SIM card. The 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to test the service without risk.
Product Highlights
- Low device cost and subscription plan
- No Contract, No cost activation, and deactivation
- Lifetime Warranty on device
- Coverage in the USA, Mexico, and Canada
Battery & Specs
- Size: 2.8” x 1.8” x 1.1”
- Weight: 3.60 Oz
- Battery: 2400 mAh Li-Polymer
- Battery Type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 2 weeks battery life on the basic plan for an hour of drive time minimum every day
Jiobit GPS Tracker
Jiobit is a small, long-lasting, real-time GPS tracker that you can use to stay connected with the elderly. It is a small and lightweight device that won’t interrupt the daily routine of the senior citizen. The company claims that it is similar to a cookie.
The GPS tracker uses Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular, and GPS technology to provide accurate information about your loved one. The device is built on a next-generation 5G compatible network which makes it ahead of its time.
Another notable feature of the Jiobit is that you can use it to mark trusted places over the map. So you can choose all the places your parents are likely to visit and get notified whenever they do. It will help you ensure that they don’t miss routine checkups, therapy, or any activity important to their health.
In case of an emergency, the elder can click on the button, which will send an immediate alert to you, and you can check them back to ensure their safety. It also allows you to add multiple members to your care team so that when you are not available, others can still respond to the alerts.
The Jiobit has partnered with Noonlight to create a personal and automated security system with a 911 emergency response. As soon as the elder presses the SOS button, the members of your care team and the professional dispatcher will get an immediate notification along with the location’s details. This feature can be life-saving, especially in emergencies when you are not nearby or need immediate help.
Product Highlights
- Real-time tracking
- Custom Geofences and Smart alerts
- SOS mode, 911 emergency Dispatch
- Can add trusted contacts
Battery and Specs
- Size: 1.96” x 1.45” x 0.47”
- Weight: 1.76 Oz
- Battery:
- Battery Type: 1 Lithium Polymer batteries
- 7 Days with constant tracking
Tracki Mini GPS Tracker
Tracki mini GPS tracker is a super small and lightweight GPS tracker. It is 30% smaller and lighter than its competitors. You can easily place it in a car back pocket or the clothes of your elderly, and it won’t attract much attention. It comes with a versatile attachment collection, such as a belt clip, magnet, lanyard, and keychain, allowing use in multiple ways.
With the help of this GPS tracker, you can know the exact location of your parents or loved ones – no matter where they are. The device provides worldwide coverage, so you can use this if your parents love to travel abroad and you are often worried about their safety. Or if your family member lives in a foreign country and you want to monitor their location.
Tracki mini GPS tracker has a decent battery life that can last up to 5 days with active tracking reports every 1-5 minutes. You can extend the battery life to 30 to 75 days with a lowered reporting frequency of 1 to 3 times per day.
The device also has an SOS button, ensuring that you get immediate notification if your family member needs you. Other than these, there are other features such as safe zone notification, easy installation, friendly user interface, etc.
Product Highlight
- Worldwide coverage
- 5 years of historical data
- Option for an extra bigger battery
- Indoor and outdoor tracking supported
Battery & Specs
- Size: 1.74”x 1.5”x 0.6”
- Weight: 1.26 Oz
- Battery: 3500 mAh Li-Polymer
- Battery Type: 1 Lithium-ion battery
- 5 days active battery life with 1-5 minutes update
AngelSense GPS Tracker
AngelSense GPS tracker helps you provide maximum safety and quality of life for seniors. Moreover, it can offer a safe solution for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s, given its extra safety and quality of life features.
It is a small and lightweight GPS tracker that you can easily attach to the clothing of the elderly. It is comfortable to wear and hence won’t interrupt their daily routine. It provides you with reliable and accurate real-time location of your loved ones.
It has a feature called “Smart Alerts” that sends you immediate alerts if your loved ones are wandering, found in unfamiliar places, late for their appointments, etc. It is also helpful to protect senior citizens having dementia or Alzheimer’s from losing their way back home.
Another feature of this GPS tracker is its assistive speakerphone. It allows you to connect with your loved ones with two-way voice communication and provide them with remote support.
AngelSense has recently included many new features to help you provide maximum security to your loved ones. Some of them are- indoor search, fall detection, and SOS call direct.
Product Highlights
- Small and lightweight
- Sensory-friendly
- SOS button
- 2-way voice calling
Battery & Specs
- Size: 2.4″ x 1.7″ x 0.63″
- Weight: 1.4 Oz
- Battery: NA
- Battery type: NA
- 24 hours of active battery life
LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker
The LandAirSea 54 GPS device can help you keep tabs on your loved ones. It is a compact tracker that you can tuck into your pocket, purses, and backpacks easily to track the real-time location of the elderly. It is ultra-lightweight and hence doesn’t gain much attention. So you can use this for discrete tracking too.
The device combines 4G cellular and GPS-based technology to provide reliable and live-tracking of people, vehicles, or assets.
With the help of this micro GPS tracker, you can locate your loved one in real-time on web-based software or the SilverCloud mobile application. It is compatible with Mac, PC, iPhone, and Android devices, so you or your family members can keep an eye on your elderly on your device.
It is a 100% waterproof and dust-proof GPS tracker so your loved ones can take it to the bathroom where they are most likely to fall. Another notable thing is that if your parents or family members love to go on hiking or outdoor adventures, the LandAirSea 54 GPS tracker can be their perfect partner.
Product Highlight
- Waterproof Device
- Google Maps integration
- Immediate Alerts and notifications
- Versatile use
Battery & Specs
- Size: 2.25″ x 2.25″ x 0.8″
- Weight: 8 Oz
- Battery: Lithium-ion battery
- Battery Type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 3 weeks of active battery life with 3-minute updates
- 6 months battery life on Sleep mode
Geozilla GPS Tracker
Geozilla GPS tracker is a powerful location-tracking device that can help you with versatile usage such as kids, seniors, pets, cars, luggage tracking, etc. The tracker comes with several accessories such as a hard case pouch, shell belt clip, and lanyard to aid usage.
It is a small and lightweight device that you can easily hide in a purse or clip to the clothing of the elderly. Despite its size, it has a good battery backup. It can last up to 5 days on a full charge with 60-second location updates. For better battery performance, you can lower the update frequency.
Geozilla is a unique GPS tracker that relies on GPS and global GSM networks to provide worldwide coverage and precise location information. It is an ideal tracker for you if your parents or relatives are someone who can’t simply sit back home and love to travel to different countries in their retirement.
The device also allows you to set geofence areas with customers. You can get immediate notification when the elderly arrive or leave home, medical care centers, or other locations. It also has the SOS button for an emergency that broadcasts the location information via notification, email, or text with one press.
Product Highlight
- Lightweight and portable
- Blends with surroundings
- User-friendly app
- Affordable tracking services
Battery & Specs
- Size: 8″ x 1.6″ x 1″
- Weight: 1.05 Oz
- Battery: Li-ion 520mAh
- Battery type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 2-3 days active battery life for 1-minute updates
- 6 days in sleep mode (no activity)
Spark Nano 7 Micro GPS Tracker
Spark Nano 7 is a versatile portable GPS tracker that you can use to track your elderly with ease. The device uses a 4G simulator service to provide fast and reliable reporting coverage all over North America.
It can help you get real-time location updates every 60 seconds, and you stay connected with your loved ones all the time. You can adjust the reporting frequency even lower or higher according to your needs.
The Spark Nano 7 GPS tracker has a compact and lightweight design to achieve ultimate versatility. You can easily attach it to their clothes to get real-time tracking reports. You can buy it with its magnetic waterproof case to keep it securely attached and ready to face rough conditions.
If your elderly like to drive a car, keeping you on your toes about their safety, then go for this device. With features like active tracking speed limit alerts and geofences, you can enjoy peace of mind while they are behind the wheel.
Product Highlights
- Full 4G coverage over North America
- Affordable subscription
- Easy to install
- Lifetime customer support
- Real-time tracking
Battery & Specs
- Dimensions: 3*1.58*1 inches
- Weight: 3.3 ounces
- Connectivity: 4G LTE
- Compatibility: USA, Mexico, and Canada
- Warranty: Lifetime
Americaloc GPS Tracker
Another reliable and portable GPS tracker on our list is the Americaloc 300 mini GPS tracker. It is a compact and small tracking device that you can use for almost every tracking purpose: vehicle, family, employees, or assets.
It allows you to get real-time location updates of your elderly. You can also view the past tracking data to check where your parents or family members visited. The device works seamlessly in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. But what if your parents are suddenly going on a foreign trip? In that case, you can let the company know, and they will shift you to a different SIM card at no additional cost.
If your parents love to drive cars, this GPS tracker can be a perfect match. You can get notifications of movement and when they stop moving. You can use the feature geo zone to create circular or complex custom zones over the map to get notified whenever they enter or leave these zones. You can set up 200 zones which means you can cover all those places your loved ones regularly visit.
Product Highlight
- Keeps a track record history up to 1 year
- Can be converted to a Wired device if required
- No Contract
- No activation or cancellation fee
Battery & Specs
- Size: 7” x 1.51” x 0.92”
- Weight:24 oz
- Battery: Lithium-ion battery
- Battery type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 10-14 days of active battery life with one-minute updates
Amcrest GPS Tracker
Amcrest GPS trackers are another suitable solution for anyone who wants to track the real-time location of their loved ones, property, or employees. With its 4G LTE GPS technology, you can get 100% accurate real-time location updates about your parents or relatives.
The device enables you to set the frequency of updates to as low as 5 seconds to stay connected with your loved ones as if you were there with them. You can view the location information and historical tracking reports through desktop web access or the Amcrest GPS smartphone app. They both have intuitive user interfaces that enable you to monitor the activity or access its various features.
You can even share location updates with your friends and family to provide maximum security to your loved ones. And ensure fast assistance in case of emergencies.
The Amcrest GPS tracker is a durable device built with heavy-duty materials, including IP65 weatherproof housing. So this device can be a perfect partner for your family member in extreme conditions. It is 100% waterproof so your parents can take it with them for a shower or in the rainy season.
The other notable features of this device are geofencing, instant alerts, longer battery life, exceptional customer support, etc.
Product Highlight
- Compact size – smaller than a matchbox
- Intelligent Battery Alerts
- Motion and SOS Alarm
- Weather-resistant
- Supports up to 20 geofences
Battery & Specs
- Size: 3” x 1.5” x 1”
- Weight: 3.52 oz
- Battery: Li-Polymer, 2600 mAh
- Battery type: Internal and Rechargeable
- 5-6 days active battery life for 5 minutes updates
- 2 weeks battery life on sleep mode (no activity)
Spot Trace GPS Tracker
Another advanced GPS tracker on our list is the Spot Trace GPS tracker. It is an affordable and reliable device based 100% on satellite technology. It can help you keep track of your loved ones with accurate location updates.
Spot Trace is a fully customizable tracker that helps you enhance your tracking experience. It allows you to select the location update frequency from 2.5 to 60-minute tracking intervals. You can view the location coordinates on Spot or Google Maps.
It is a durable and waterproof GPS device. So if your parents or relatives love to challenge themselves a little by hiking in mountains or forests, this one can be a perfect fit for them. The device can send you a lot when it detects movement. And get alerts every time your loved ones are on the move.
Product Highlights
- Extremely compact
- Allows online tracking
- Sends you instant alerts through mail
- Provides a huge range of uses
Battery & Specs
- Size: 6.9” x 2.02” x 0.95”
- Weight: 1 oz
- Battery: 4 AAA Energizer Ultimate Lithium 8x batteries (L92) – Installed
- Battery Option: 4 AAA Energizer® NiMH rechargeable batteries (NH12) – Sold Separately
- Battery type: Option of external, Internal, and rechargeable
- 10-14 days of active battery life with one-minute updates
Qbit Personal GPS Tracker
Another reliable GPS tracker in our list is Qbit personal GPS tracker. It is a compact and lightweight device that excels in mobility and reliability. You can easily clip the device to your parents’ clothes or slip it in their purses or backpacks to enjoy real-time location tracking. It delivers accurate location information using a combination of GPS Wi-Fi and LBS positioning technology. It is a water-resistant and rugged device so you won’t have to worry even if your elderly forgets to remove it and wear it in the shower.
Qbit GPS tracker also enables two-way communications so you can always stay connected with your elderly. It is a helpful feature especially when your parents are suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. It also allows remote listening so you can remotely monitor the environment & ensure the safety and comfort of your parents while they are out. You can also set a virtual fence to stay in a form whenever the person crosses the boundaries.
Product Highlights
- Two-way communication
- Inconspicuous mic
- SOS button
- Low battery alert
- Compact and stylish design
Battery & Specs
- Size: 1.7″ x 1.7″ x 0.6″
- Weight: 1.16 Oz
- Battery: 500 mAh/3.8V industrial grade Li-polymer
- Battery Type: Internal and Rechargeable
- Up to 2 days with an update frequency of 10 minutes
Prime Tracking GPS Tracker
Another real-time and reliable GPS tracker that won’t disturb your budget is the Safe Track GPS tracker. It is a real-time GPS tracker that uses 4G LTE technology to deliver reliable location updates. It is a small lightweight durable and silent device you can use to track your parents discreetly. It has a long battery life so you can sit back and relax while you know that the device is working there and you won’t be outdated with the information.
It allows you to set up virtual fans over the boundary so you can drop as many geofences as you want over the maps and ensure no place is left. It is a helpful feature when your parents are suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia. If they leave the house without any assistance or your knowledge the device will let you know and you can bring them back home safely. It provides a limited GPS range throughout the USA, Canada, and Mexico so you can keep an eye on your loved ones no matter how far they are. It also has an SOS button that they can press to alert you and call for immediate help.
Product Highlights
- Unlimited distance tracking
- SOS button
- Instant alerts
- Real-time tracking
- 1-minute setup
- Lifetime warranty
Battery and Specs
- Size: 1.57″ x 1.05″ x 3.07″
- Weight: 2.24 Oz
- Battery: Lithium Polymer batteries
- Battery Type: Internal And Rechargeable
- 2-4 weeks active battery life
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these GPS trackers convenient and easy to use for the elderly?
Yes. Most GPS trackers designed for seniors are compact and lightweight. They do not hamper their quality of life in any way. Once you have customized the tracker as per your preference, they do not need to worry about it.
Do all portable GPS trackers come with fall detection?
No. Not all GPS trackers have fall detection features. However, these devices have an SOS button, which the elderly can press and alert the family. You can share the location with 911 dispatchers and get them help.
My 70-year-old father has dementia. Can a GPS tracker be helpful?
Yes. Dementia makes it difficult for seniors to remember. They might go for a walk, wander away, and forget their way home. With a GPS tracker and geofence feature, you get an alert when they have strayed and bring them back to safety.
We are a big family of 7 siblings. Can we all access the location information of our mom through the tracker?
Yes. Once you have bought the GPS tracker, multiple people can access its data after downloading the companion app on their device of choice. You can be anywhere in the world and still keep an eye on your beloved parent.
Bottom Line
To conclude, we can say that a GPS tracker can be an indispensable tool to provide your elderly effortless security. It can be helpful for you as well as the elderly. It can offer you peace of mind and complete independence to them.
Do share your queries in the comment section below.
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