1. < Caregivers: Dementia

Best trackers for lost loved ones with dementia

Posted by Kim Webb @mrjohnwebb, Apr 19, 2023

I am planning ahead and need some guidance. I am caregiver for both my mom and husband. We all live together since my father died late last year. I am concerned about how to find them if one of them wanders off. What trackers have you found that work for locating lost loved ones? I like the idea of medical ID bracelets as well and have been following that forum question as well.
Thanks so much!

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chris20 | @chris20 | Apr 6, 2024
In reply to @frances007 "in reply to @chris20 You know, my brother in law has dementia, and my sister's keys..." + (show)
@frances007

in reply to @chris20 You know, my brother in law has dementia, and my sister's keys went missing for two weeks. She thought my brother-in-law had thrown out the keys..."it happens. " She has some kind of "card" in her wallet that uses an app on her iPhone to help find lost objects. It is akin to a credit card. Her son recently came over and they were able to discover that she had left her keys in the mailbox, and someone turned them into the HOA where she lives. The "card" was able to track the keys to the HOA office. Would something like this be of benefit to you?

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Thank you for mentioning this, I will check into it. A lot of things get left or placed in unusual places.

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1 reply
frances007 | @frances007 | Apr 8, 2024
In reply to @chris20 "Thank you for mentioning this, I will check into it. A lot of things get left..." + (show)
@chris20

Thank you for mentioning this, I will check into it. A lot of things get left or placed in unusual places.

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Yes, she was surprised at how quickly her keys were located. I may get one for myself because I often "lose" things in my apartment and it drives me nuts! Thank God for Apple "find my phone." LOL. My problem though is that my hearing is so bad that it takes several attempts to locate the phone. My brother in law has bionic ears and can find my phone within seconds when I am at their house. Thank you so much. I appreciate you

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chris20 | @chris20 | Apr 20, 2024
In reply to @frances007 "in reply to @chris20 You know, my brother in law has dementia, and my sister's keys..." + (show)
@frances007

in reply to @chris20 You know, my brother in law has dementia, and my sister's keys went missing for two weeks. She thought my brother-in-law had thrown out the keys..."it happens. " She has some kind of "card" in her wallet that uses an app on her iPhone to help find lost objects. It is akin to a credit card. Her son recently came over and they were able to discover that she had left her keys in the mailbox, and someone turned them into the HOA where she lives. The "card" was able to track the keys to the HOA office. Would something like this be of benefit to you?

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I have to check this out, thank you so much.

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single46mom | @single46mom | Apr 24, 2024

I use Project Lifesaver. My brother wears a bracelet with a GPS inside of it. The Police department near us has this program and my brother's CADI waiver covers the cost. An officer comes to our house once a month to change the battery. I love having piece of mind that comes with it. Not only do I feel safer by having that close connection to law enforcement. I also know that if something happens I just call the police and they can find my brother quickly.

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billiekip | @billiekip | Jul 14, 2024

We just moved to our daughter's town. She gave my husband a special front door key to celebrate the move. It has a tracker, and he faithfully has it in his pocket. She also put friend finder on his phone, but he may not always have it on even though it is in his pocket. The hidden tracker in his key fob has been so helpful. I can actually watch the progress of the walkabout and when I feel he has been gone long enough, I go get him. He has never questioned my uncanny ability to locate him.

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bayviewgal | @bayviewgal | Jul 22, 2024

I've heard alot about tracking devices on the person with dementia, because they want to know where they are when they've gone for a walk. I can't imagine letting my husband take a walk by himself. I have to know where my husband is at all times, So hearing about this scares me for all of you. How do you do it? Fortunately, he has never tried leaving the house without me and I know it might get to that someday and I am now considering getting him a device today because I know it could happen all of a sudden and i want to be prepared for that horrible moment.
Love, hugs and prayers to all

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mirkat71 | @mirkat71 | May 25 11:00pm
In reply to @chris20 "The repetitive questions are very frustrating. On a 45 minute trip, my wife will ask where..." + (show)
@chris20

The repetitive questions are very frustrating. On a 45 minute trip, my wife will ask where we are going more than 30 times, sometimes within 5 seconds of the previous. On rare occasions when we are with our children or grandchildren she will ask them questions over and over again, in exactly the sale cadence and tone, as she does during our time with me at home, from which there is no relief, as her paranoia requires that I be within her sight and reach every waking minute. If not, she panics and is subject to tachycardia and dysphasia. No one ever mentions to her that they have answered the same questions hundreds of times, they just prefer to spend less time with us because it's so uncomfortable for them. Institutionalizing is not an option because she would not tolerate it. Caregiver support groups, in person, are helpful if you can find a way to arrange it. My heart aches for you because I know what you are going through. I find solace in my religious faith. Prayer and meditation keep me going.

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Playing some of her favorite musicay help to distract her mind and lower her anxiety. Also, if there are any activities she really enjoyed doing, that she can still do such as puzzles, reading, drawing, etc., those things may help to keep her mind distracted and lessen anxiety and repetitive behaviors as well. I cared for dementia residents forany years and I found that almost without fail, everyone responded positively to music.

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laura1970 | @laura1970 | May 27 4:05pm
In reply to @jan83404 "Is there a monthly fee with AirTag?" + (show)
@jan83404

Is there a monthly fee with AirTag?

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No I don’t think so

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laura1970 | @laura1970 | May 27 4:07pm
In reply to @tgeno "I know some people use Apple Airtags and put one in their LO's wallet so they..." + (show)
@tgeno

I know some people use Apple Airtags and put one in their LO's wallet so they can track them with the FindMy app on their iPhone.

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They also make necklaces and broaches that fit an air tag. They are reasonably priced and can be found on Amazon

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