Dementia trackers and trackers for children, GPS safety for vulnerable family members

Real-time GPS tracking technology provides peace of mind and rapid response capability for families managing the safety of vulnerable members, whether a loved one with dementia who may wander or a child in a situation requiring location monitoring. LockCar’s 4G GPS platform, designed for vehicle security applications, adapts to personal tracking needs with the same real-time location, geofencing, and alert capabilities.

GPS tracking for dementia wandering

Wandering is the most significant safety risk for many people living with dementia. Real-time GPS tracking provides carers with immediate location visibility and geofencing alerts the moment a person leaves a defined safe area. The ability to provide police with a live GPS location when a person has wandered transforms the response from a broad search to a directed retrieval, potentially reducing the duration of a wandering episode from hours to minutes.

For vehicle-dependent dementia patients who still drive independently, a vehicle-mounted LockCar GPS tracker provides carers with visibility of every journey, enabling informed conversations with the person and their GP about driving safety without requiring premature key removal. The remote immobilisation capability in LockCar One Plus allows a carer to prevent the vehicle from being restarted if a specific safety concern arises.

GPS tracking for children in specific situations

Child GPS tracking is appropriate in specific situations including children with autism spectrum disorder who may elope or become separated in public, children with other conditions that affect awareness of safety, and children in situations where parental contact is disrupted during travel or custody transitions. The ethical principle for child tracking is that it should be proportionate to a specific, identified safety risk rather than general surveillance.

Geofencing for children can be set around school, home, and other safe locations. Alerts when the child leaves these zones provide immediate notification to parents. Historical route data allows review of any unexpected journeys.

Technology considerations for personal tracking

LockCar’s GPS technology is designed for vehicle applications. Personal tracking for dementia sufferers and children typically uses dedicated wearable devices that are purpose-designed for personal use, with features including SOS buttons, fall detection, and smaller form factors appropriate for carrying as a personal device. Contact LockCar to discuss how our 4G GPS platform can be adapted for specific personal tracking requirements.

LockCar recommended products

Top recommendation

LockCar One Plus, £259

4G real-time GPS, geofencing, immediate alerts

Real-time 4G GPS with geofencing and immediate push alerts. Applicable to vehicle tracking, personal tracking adaptations, and asset monitoring. Contact LockCar to discuss specific personal tracking requirements.