GPS Enabled Watch

Leesee

I don't post often - but I check-in every day for your sage advise!

My DH (70) has Alzheimer's + Vascular Dementia and was diagnosed 1.5 years ago using blood test and MRI. The Neuropsychologist conducted testing and concluded he was in the 'Moderate' stage. I (64 F) am trying to work another year before I retire, so he is home alone 8 hrs,/day.

So far, so good, but I've noticed a decline recently and believe he is starting to drift into stage 5. He hasn't driven in more than a year, but loves to go for walks. He mentioned last night he worries about getting lost. Now I'm worried he is going to get lost! I have a tracking devise on his phone but he refuses to take his phone on his walks.

Is anyone using a GPS enabled watch (not necklace style) with emergency services to keep track of their LO? If so, which company are you using?

Chris20cm

Tile is a good tracker. You can attach it to a key ring, or anything he always has with him.

tonyac2

My DH used an Apple Watch for a while, which worked great. No longer needed as his last stroke, actually a year ago today, left him immobile. I used to track him using the Find My app.

harshedbuzz

@Leesee

It sounds as if his days of solo walks will soon be over if they aren't already. In addition to a tracking device, he (and you) should be wearing medical alert tags. His should have his diagnosis and your contact information and yours should identify you as a dementia-caregiver with contact information for your Plan B person should you have an accident or medical issue.

I have tracked my mom (no dementia) with both Tile and an Apple Watch/iPhone. Neither is perfect but I find the Apple FindMy App superior. I found the Tile didn't update on a timely basis quite often. I used to track mom when she was coming home from the city on the train so I would be able to meet her at the station. It would regularly show where she was up to 30 minutes prior as current location; I'd be late to pick her up. It could be a problem if he's lost. I also find the FindMy app sometimes misplaces my mom by up to 250yds. My mother's watch has located her in an autoparts warehouse on the other side of the highway from her home, a hospital when she was in a store around the corner from it and in the middle of the bay while staying in a beachfront hotel. It usually rights itself with 5-10 minutes. For me, it a source of amusement (except for the hospital time) but it would be different if she went missing.

My cousin tracks her entire family using the Life360 App which she says is much better.

HB

Russinator

I use air tags for my DW

Leesee

Thank you all for your advise. I've used Life 360 (especially when he was still driving) but he needs to have his phone with him in order for it to track him and he refuses to take his phone anywhere.

I have air tags, but never thought about putting them in his shoes :) This is a great idea, but will he feel the tag in his shoe?

I was thinking about using a watch because he always has his watch on (he sleeps with it on his wrist) so I'm guaranteed he'll have it with him.

An Apple watch is way too complex. I've been googling and found this: https://feeltranquil.com/tranquil-watch-lp/ It's expensive, but if it works I'd consider it.

Have you used either this one, or another (cheaper!) one that really works?

Chammer

Tiles can be connected through the Life360 app.

JeanGayre

I bought my husband an Apple watch for Christmas and added a phone number to it. There is a low monthly charge on our phone plan but he can even take calls on the watch. He didn't like it at first but I insisted and now he uses it more than the phone. I also got him a wallet with an Apple Tag. I used that Apple Tag to find him one time when he left his phone somewhere and was driving around aimlessly. Now I have a HUM device that tracks the vehicle too. I'm not losing him again.

Marla13

Maybe it is time for an adult day care program?

l7pla1w2

Be aware that a lot of these devices depend on being close to other people who have cellphones. They will be useless in a rural area where the wearer is far from others with cellphones (and the cellphones might have poor coverage, too).

Depending on a watch or cellphone obviously depends on whether the PWD actually wears/carries it. My DW never remembered to carry her iPhone or didn't want to.

annie51

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/247765#Comment_247765

I just heard about shoe liners with a spot to put the AirTag in the bottom. I am planning to try these for my DH, who wandered off last night and was not found for 8 hours. There is nothing else he consistently wears but his shoes.

tboard

I have been considering airtags.I can hide them in his clothing. He occasionally just walks out the door. So far I have been able to track him with my eyes. He doesn't move very fast.

Tooch3

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/73492/gps-enabled-watch

I just switched from AirTag and Apple Watch to a watch called Angelsense. We live in a hilly area where AirTags and apple watches dont work well. The GPS in Angelsense seems to work better than the other products. He wares it 24/7 now because of his frequent wanderings or purposeful walking out in a huff.

My husband has FTD and is now requiring my attention most of the time. I live in fear of his walking out at night and i cant find him. This watch helps me feel more secure.

l7pla1w2

The device uses a cellular connection to track the LO. If your area has poor cell coverage, you may find the device doesn't meet your needs.