GPS Locator for elderly

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TimTDP

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My mom regularly gets lost:confused:

I would like to get a gps location device that I can attached to her car keys so I can locate her when the need arises.
I have tried using the Life 360 app, but she fiddles on her phone and turns gps off!

All suggestions welcome!
 
TimTDP said:
My mom regularly gets lost:confused:

I would like to get a gps location device that I can attached to her car keys so I can locate her when the need arises.
I have tried using the Life 360 app, but she fiddles on her phone and turns gps off!

All suggestions welcome!
Click to expand...
This :
(Apple air tag)

Takealot.com: Online Shopping | SA's leading online store

South Africa's leading online store. Fast, reliable delivery to your door. Many ways to pay. Shop anything you can imagine: TVs, laptops, cellphones, kitchen appliances, toys, books, beauty & more. Shop the mobile app anytime, anywhere.
www.takealot.com www.takealot.com

or this :
(Samsung smart tag)

Takealot.com: Online Shopping | SA's leading online store

South Africa's leading online store. Fast, reliable delivery to your door. Many ways to pay. Shop anything you can imagine: TVs, laptops, cellphones, kitchen appliances, toys, books, beauty & more. Shop the mobile app anytime, anywhere.
www.takealot.com www.takealot.com

Slip one into her bag or attach to her keys. Battery lasts 6 months apparently

A smart watch is more expensive and she has to remember to put it on.
 
Rock Lobster said:
Would she wear a watch? Either way, the device she uses will need regular charging - how much of an issue is that? Does she live with you?
I like the look of this:
This one advertises 5 day battery life:
Click to expand...
Thanks
I am hoping for something with a long battery life. Like a year
It doesn't have to be ultra small. Something she can hang on her car keys
 
TimTDP said:
My mom regularly gets lost:confused:

I would like to get a gps location device that I can attached to her car keys so I can locate her when the need arises.
I have tried using the Life 360 app, but she fiddles on her phone and turns gps off!

All suggestions welcome!
Click to expand...

Um, if your mom can't navigate the world safely alone, maybe it's time that she doesn't travel solo?

I mean, tracking her down with GPS is great but what you going to do if she takes a wrong turn off and drives into a dangerous township or gang area?
 
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zolly said:
Um, if your mom can't navigate the world safely alone, maybe it's time that she doesn't travel solo?

I mean, tracking her down with GPS is great but what you going to do if she takes a wrong turn off and drives into a dangerous township or gang area?
Click to expand...
Cius said:
Sounds like she should not be out unsupervised anymore.
Click to expand...
Yeah, use this..

1648127182994.png
 
I am dealing with something like this as well. Elderly friend with dementia. No family in SA, mostly alone. She lived alone up until recently but almost died in early Jan when she fell and could not get up. I ended up saving her life as I could not get hold of her due to a delivery arriving that morning and I could not get hold of her. Had to break in to get to her. Anyways, she was also mismanaging medication badly including blood pressure meds as she could never remember if she had taken it or not. Ended up moving her to a nice old age home. She is not particularly happy to have lost her independence but her blood tests are all much better, and her diet is a lot more stable. She is also not getting lost anymore which was something that was starting to happen. She lost her car last year and could not remember which garage she had left it with, or which towing company brought her home. Old age is harsh, and sometimes you have to go against their wishes for their safety. Old age is the second childhood. The elderly can become very childish and selfish in their decision making especially when Dementia is in play. Either way good luck.
 
Rock Lobster said:
How do these work? Do they rely on people nearby having Samsung or Apple devices?
Click to expand...
Yes, so probably better to get the apple one as its a more common phone.
If someone with an iPhone goes close to her it will collect the location and report it, you ill be able to see it on the tracking app.
Its the most elegant solution for what you need to do, in terms of the tracked person not having to do anything.

Battery looks to be about a year:

www.businessinsider.com

How long an AirTag battery should last, and how to replace it

Your AirTag battery life should last for around one year, depending on your usage. It can be replaced with another CR2032 lithium coin battery.
www.businessinsider.com www.businessinsider.com
 
I found the Apple Airtag works well. Mother in law (88) is in a frail care, not because she has dementia or is physically frail, but has long covid.

Her covid started in Feb last year and within a month, her short and long term memory was impaired. She remembers her daughter quite well, but if she wanders about, she becomes disoriented. The security at this place is incredibly slack. Their gate is on auto-close but the guard will rest a plank against the beam.

On Sunday 13th she and 4 other ladies "escaped" and 3 of them managed to walk 1km to the Main Road. A taxi driver whose sister works at the home realised who they were and phoned his sister.

The Apple Airtag comes in a pack and we have fitted a pouch to her dress for them. Of course it won't do long distances, but up to 20 metres seems to work
 
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