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How Can a GPS Tracker Help You with an Elderly Loved One Who Wanders?

Elderly Care in Boca Raton FL: Wandering is a scary situation for family caregivers, but tools such as GPS trackers can help make sure that your elderly loved one gets home safely.

Elderly Care in Boca Raton FL

Using a GPS tracker can be more helpful than you might realize if you have a loved one who tends to wander.

Devices Use GPS to Pinpoint Your Loved One’s Location

GPS, or Global Positioning System, uses satellite transmissions to accurately pinpoint locations on a map. You’re probably most familiar with GPS in terms of using it to give you directions when you’re following a route you don’t know. In terms of keeping your elderly loved one safe, a GPS tracking system uses a device that your loved one wears to transmit location data to a system you can access via computer or a smartphone app.

Some Devices Have Connections to Local Law Enforcement

Many of the devices that you can use to help track your elderly loved one come with a host of other services. Some allow you to alert local law enforcement to the fact that your loved one is missing. Then the system transmits your loved one’s image and information so that the authorities can be on the lookout. Other devices may alert you and other contacts that you specify if your elderly loved one leaves an area that you map out.

You Can View Locations, Too

While the big selling point for these devices is that you can use them to track your elderly loved one, some caregivers forget about that feature in the fear of the moment. If your loved one should happen to go missing, make sure that you access the app or the website as soon as you can. It’s a really good idea to practice using all of the tools that come along with your system to make sure that you’re familiar with them. Then, when you do need them, you’re already comfortable with using the system.

They’re Easy to Use, Even if Your Loved One Isn’t Fully on Board Yet

One problem that family caregivers can run into is that their elderly loved one doesn’t want to wear an unfamiliar device. Whether your loved one understands what the device is for or not, it won’t work at all for you if she doesn’t keep it on her. Many devices use either a necklace or a wrist strap, but you can also try pinning them to the insides of pockets or putting them in her shoes. You may need to get creative if your loved one is determined to ditch the device.

If you need some ideas for helping your elderly loved one get used to using a GPS tracking system, try asking her elderly care providers for tips that pertain to your specific situation.

If you or a family member are in need of elderly care in Boca Raton, FL, call the caring professionals at Star Multi Care today at (954) 870-4770. Providing service in Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Weston, Southwest Ranches, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Lighthouse Point, and Wilton Manors.

Stephen Sternbach

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