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What is a GPS Tracker for the Elderly?
A tracker device for elderly people enables others to view the location of their older loved one from anywhere.
Coming in a wide variety of shapes and sizes with a broad range of features, GPS trackers for seniors provide increased independence for the older person and peace of mind for their family.
GPS or ‘Global Positioning System’ was a technology first introduced by the US military, which has now been offered to the world for everyday uses, such as a dementia patient tracker.
When Does Your Elderly Loved One Need a GPS Tracker?
The easiest way to tell whether your loved one would benefit from a GPS tracker for the elderly is looking out for certain triggers in their lifestyle.
From over a decade of experience providing tracker devices for the elderly, we’ve learned that prevention is much better than reaction, so you should act BEFORE something bad happens, not wait until afterwards.
If you or your loved one are becoming worried that a potentially dangerous situation may occur, and it could be difficult to get help, then I would definitely recommend considering purchasing a GPS tracker for seniors.
Common signs your elderly loved one may need GPS tracker include…
Getting lost or forgetting their way home
Although most commonly caused by dementia, being forgetful and getting lost can happen to anyone. If your elderly parent doesn’t know where they are or the fact they’re in danger, a GPS tracker can help ensure they’re found easier and get home safely.
Having a minor fall
Over 30% of Americans aged 65 and over will have a fall this year, which is the leading cause of death in that age group. Getting a GPS tracker with an SOS button means if your Mom or Dad has a fall, they can summon help that knows where they are, as quickly as possible.- They’re worried about going outside
If your older loved one is showing reluctance to carry out common daily actives like going to the grocery store or on a short walk, this is often through fear of having a fall or getting lost. In this situation, an elderly GPS tracker could help them regain their confidence and resume normal life.
Enjoys long walks or has a dog to exercise
Many of our customers have fiercely independent loved ones who are determined to exercise and continue what they’ve done all their lives. Although this is fantastic for their health and should be completely encouraged, if they’re at risk of being injured whilst out and about (e.g. spraining an ankle), a GPS tracker for seniors is a great way to give you peace of mind while they continue being active.
What Are The Benefits of a GPS Tracker for the Elderly?
Peace of Mind For You / Your Family
After your parents or other older loved ones looked after you for so many years, it’s a strange feeling when those tables gradually turn, and you find yourself returning the favor.
When we ask people what the biggest benefit they got from buying a tracker for their elderly relative, it’s almost always peace of mind.
In fact, so much so, the phrase ‘peace of mind’ has been mentioned in a mind-boggling 394 of our 1074 reviews, that’s 37% of them!
Even though we deeply love our aging parents, with a busy lifestyle and other responsibilities, it’s impossible to be there for them 24/7.
The peace of mind a GPS tracker brings means you can relax (a little), knowing if your worst fears are realized, it’s much more likely they’ll be found and can get help.
Independence (Keeping Them Out of A Nursing Home)
One study, found 71% of people elderly people would rather live in their own homes than a nursing home and shockingly, another found over half of people 50+ would rather die than move in to a care facility!
The bottom line is that not only do older people not want to live in nursing homes, but their family members feel awful putting them in to one.
It’s been widely cited that moving in to a care home accelerates the decline in older people’s wellbeing, with one study showing that people with dementia are more likely to die sooner if they move to a care facility vs remaining at home.
Known as ‘aging in place’ remaining at home has a huge number of benefits, when compared with being cared for in a facility.
Reduced Risk of Death / Serious Injury
With GPS trackers for seniors helping to get medical or emergency care faster and to the right location, it’s no surprise that they help to save lives!
Shockingly, an academic study discovered half of older people not found within 24 hours of going missing, will die or suffer serious injury.
With older people and especially those with dementia less likely to carry a cell phone, a GPS tracker that has personal alarm or medical alert functionality helps them raise the alarm and supports urgent response teams to locate them easier.
Even if the user has Alzheimer’s disease (the most common cause of dementia), and would not know how to use the device to call for help, the fact it’s always tracking their location means family members can see where they are any time, for example if they do not return from a walk when they should have.
Increased Quality of Life
After talking with many customers in the later years of their lives, it’s clear that it’s the little things that make us happy and give us purpose.
Whether it’s bumping in to a neighbor down the street, watching the trees change color with the seasons or playing with our pets in the park, being outdoors has been proven to be good for our mental and physical health.
A GPS tracker for elderly people often gives the confidence to get outside and enjoy being independent, which in turn provides a much more enriched and fulfilling quality of life.
Saving Money on Care
By any measure, elderly care is expensive, and it’s only getting more expensive as time goes on.
With the average cost of a nursing home in the USA over $2k a week, it’s much cheaper for your older loved one to remain at home.
We understand that a GPS tracker for seniors alone is not always going to be the difference between independence and a nursing home, but for many people lengthens the period of living at home before they need more care.
If you save an average of $2000 for every week your loved one is not in a nursing home, then any money spent on a tracker for the elderly will save you cash in the long term!
As you can see in a review from Anette Hogan below, “from a point of view of expense, this is far cheaper option than a care home, which he would be miserable in!”
What to Consider When Buying a GPS Tracker for Seniors
With so many devices and options when it comes to picking a gps tracker for your elderly loved one, it can often be confusing and overwhelming.
As this is often an area where we have not purchased something similar before, it’s easy to get drawn in by certain marketing, only to discover the product is useless when you come to use.
The section below will help you make an informed decision and ensure the GPS tracker you buy for an older person in your life lives up to expectations!
Product Features
- BATTERY LIFE: How long will it last with normal use?
- DESIGN / PORTABILITY: Will they remember to take it with them
- LOCATION UPDATES: How often does the location update?
- SOS BUTTON: Can they raise an alarm in an emergency?
- SAFE ZONES: Can it alert you when they leave an area?
- CALLING: Can you call them / they call you?
- AUTO-ANSWER: Can I call them without them pressing buttons?
- SMARTPHONE REQUIRED: Does it need a cell with bluetooth to function?
- TRACKING APP: Can you locate them from your smartphone?
- WATERPROOFNESS: Can the device be worn in the shower and not damaged?
- UPFRONT VS MONTHLY FEES: Does the value stack up?
- ALERTS: How are you notified when something bad happens?
- LOCATION HISTORY: Can you see where they went on a map?
Company Features
- FREE RETURNS: Can you ship it back free if it doesn't work?
- RISK-FREE TRIAL: Can you try it out and send it back if not you're happy?
- FREE SHIPPING: What are the delivery costs?
- TECHNICAL SUPPORT: When and how is the company available if you need help?
- REVIEWS: Does the company have a good reputation?
The Best GPS Trackers for Elderly People / Seniors
Summary: A huge step forward in features, design and ease of use, the Tranquil Watch is clearly the market leader in GPS Trackers for the elderly.
Available in: USA 🇺🇸
Reasons to buy
- Best in Class
- Longest Battery Life
- Best-Looking
- Fully Waterproof
Reasons to avoid
- Premium Price
Company Reputation
Reassuringly, Tranquil score an impressive 4.9/5 on trusted review site, TrustPilot.
Common Review Comments
- Outstanding customer service
- Reliable tracking / product
- Increased safety for loved ones
Company Analysis
FREE Shipping
Tranquil offers FREE 2 day shipping, anywhere in the USA
FREE Returns
Tranquil offers free returns if you decide the watch isn't for you.
Helpline
Tranquil has a support line you can call from 6AM-8PM CST
7 Day Support
Tranquil offers support at weekends.
Risk-Free Trial
Tranquil offers a risk-free trial, so you can send it back if not happy.
Pro-Rata Refunds
Tranquil refunds what's left of an annual plan, if you cancel early.
Good Reviews
Tranquil has fantastic reviews (4.9/5)
Technical Support
Tranquil offers FREE 2 day shipping, anywhere in the USA
Product Analysis
Battery Life
5/5
The tranquil watch uses special tech to last 7x longer than any other GPS tracker for elderly people, lasting an average of 7 days, even with the location updating every 2 mins.
Location Updates
5/5
The Tranquil watch updates its location every 2 mins all the time, with a clever ’emergency tracking’ feature you can turn on if they go missing, where it will update every 30 seconds.
Design
5/5
The Tranquil watch leads the pack when it comes to design, with a sleek and discrete design available in a variety of colors, it looks (and feels) like a premium, smart dress watch.
Safe Zones
5/5
The Tranquil watch allows you to be called, emailed or receive an app notification not only when they leave a safe area, but also as soon as they leave home!
Location History
5/5
The Tranquil watch not only shows where the wearer has been using Google Maps on the smartphone app, but allows you to select periods of time (e.g. the last 4 hours) and even dates in history (e.g. November 5th).
Calling
5/5
With crystal clear 2-way phone calls and adjustable volume, the Tranquil watch allows you to call your loved one or them call you, any time.
SOS Button
5/5
With crystal clear 2-way phone calls and adjustable volume, the Tranquil watch allows you to call your loved one or them call you, any time.
Auto-Answer (Listen in)
5/5
The Tranquil watch has the option to call your loved one, and it will automatically answer, without them needing to press any buttons. Ideal for people dementia / Alzheimer’s that may forget.
User Needs a Smartphone?
5/5
As the Tranquil watch has a sim card embedded inside, the wearer does not need to carry a smartphone for the tracker to function
Tracking App?
5/5
The FREE Tranquil App is available for iOS (iPhones) and Android devices. Any of your family or care network care use the app to track and manage the watch at no extra cost
Waterproofness
5/5
The Tranquil watch is fully waterproof to an IP67 rating, that means it can be submerged in up to 3.2ft (1m) of water for up to 30 mins, making it safe to wear in the shower, bath or pool.
Upfront vs Monthly Fees
4/5
The Tranquil Watch charges a lower monthly fee and a higher upfront fee, meaning it’s cheaper in the long run than many others that have expensive subscriptions. Choose the annual plan, and they’ll refund what’s left if you cancel before the 12th month.
The bottom line is you get what you pay for, and the Tranquil watch is the best by a long shot.
Summary: This tracker is ideal for elderly people, packing loads of great features and a ridiculously long battery life in to a handy key-ring or lanyard form.
Our Rating:
4.5/5
Available in: UK 🇬🇧 and Europe 🇪🇺
Reasons to buy
- 2 Week Battery Life
- Fully Waterproof
- 2 Way Calling w/ Auto Answer
- Great Value
Reasons to avoid
- Keyring / Lanyard Not For Everyone (Not a watch)
Company Reputation
With a brand built on outstanding customer service, it’s no surprise that TechSilver are highly rated across the board, including Trustpilot, Reviews.io and Google.
Common Review Comments
- Great customer service
- Fast and free delivery
- Reliability of tracking devices
Company Analysis
FREE Shipping
TechSilver offers FREE Next Day Dellivery, anywhere in the UK
FREE Returns
TechSilver offers free returns if you decide the tracker isn't for you.
Helpline
TechSilver has a support line you can call from 9:30AM-6:00PM GMT
7 Day Support
TechSilver offers email support at weekends
Risk-Free Trial
TechSilver offers a risk-free trial, so you can send it back if not happy
Pro-Rata Refunds
TechSilver offer monthly plans, so pro-rata refunds aren't relevant
Good Reviews
TechSilver has outstanding reviews (4.9/5)
Technical Support
TechSilver offers top-tier tech support via phone, email or live chat.
Product Analysis
Battery Life
5/5
This TechSilver tracker has a larger battery than most devices and saves power when not being used, lasting 12+ days with the location updating every minute, making it the longest-lasting GPS tracker for dementia in the UK & EU.
Location Updates
4.5/5
This TechSilver tracker has multiple location update options; 1 min, 10 mins and 60 mins. Now with the battery lasting so long even with the tracker updating every minute, there’s rearely any need to change it from every 60 seconds!
Design
4/5
A long battery life means a larger battery, but the TechSilver tracker packs this in without being too cumbersome. It’s smart, discrete and easily attached to a key-ring or lanyard with the included accessories.
Safe Zones
4.5/5
This TechSilver tracker sends you an app notification when they leave or enter any safe area set by you. These can be anything from 100m (328ft) to 5km (16404ft) in size
Location History
5/5
This TechSilver tracker will not only show where the wearer has been using Google Maps on the smartphone app, but allows you to select periods of time and even dates in history (e.g. between 3PM and 5PM on November 5th).
Calling
5/5
This TechSilver tracker has 2-way calling, so you can call your loved one, or they can call you by pressing the SOS button, at any time. It has 3 contacts, and will cycle to the next if the first does not answer
SOS Button
5/5
With a clear and brightly colored SOS button that’s easy to press, (but hard to do so by accident), your loved one can send you a and your family a notification and/or call you any time they need help.
Auto-Answer (Listen in)
5/5
This TechSilver tracker has the option to call your loved one, and it will automatically answer, without them needing to press any buttons. Ideal for people dementia / Alzheimer’s that may forget.
User Needs a Smartphone?
5/5
As this TechSilver tracker has a sim card embedded inside, the wearer does not need to carry a smartphone for the tracker to function
Tracking App?
4/5
The FREE app this TEchSilver tracker uses is available for iOS (iPhones) and Android devices. Any of your family or care network care use the app to track and manage the watch at no extra cost. It’s simple and easy to use.
Waterproofness
5/5
This TechSilver tracker is fully waterproof to an IP67 rating, that means it can be submerged in up to 3.2ft (1m) of water for up to 30 mins, making it safe to wear in the shower, bath or pool.
Upfront vs Monthly Fees
5/5
Truly great value for money, the TechSilver tracker has a relatively small upfront fee, especially when you consider how much better the battery life is than others below. There’s a small monthly fee and get 60 mins of calls from the tracker included in that. You can cancel any time, giving TechSilver 30 days notice.
Summary: A handy portable GPS tracker, the Angelsense is let down by overpriced subscriptions and poor performance / battery life.
Our Rating:
3/5
Available in: USA 🇺🇸 UK 🇬🇧 and Europe 🇪🇺
Reasons to buy
- Cheap Device
- Portable
Reasons to avoid
- Overpriced Subscription
- Bad Company Reviews
- Poor Battery Life
Company Reputation
Unfortnatley, Angelsense score a worrying 3.5/5 on trusted review site, TrustPilot.
Common Review Comments
- Poor signal coverage
- Devices not working properly
- Disappointing customer service?
Company Analysis
FREE Shipping
Angelsense charges a minimum of $25 / £20 for express shipping
FREE Returns
Angelsense does NOT offer free returns
Helpline
Angelsense has a phone number you can call, during office hours Mon-Fri
7 Day Support
Angelsense does NOT offer support at weekends.
Risk-Free Trial
Angelsense does offer a 30 day risk-free trial
Pro-Rata Refunds
Angelsense does NOT offer pro-rated refunds.
Good Reviews
Angelsense does NOT have good reviews (3.5/5)
Technical Support
Angelsense offers technical support during business hours, Monday to Friday.
Product Analysis
Battery Life
2.5/5
The Angelsense can last up to 24 hours without a recharge, meaning it would likely need charging a minimum of every day.
Location Updates
4/5
In an unnamed placed (anywhere you have not designated), the Angelsense will update every 15 mins. It also has ‘runner mode’ where it can update every 10 seconds, although the battery will die very fast in this mode.
Design
2/5
The Angelsense is compact and portable, but that’s where the good things end. It’s cheap, plastic finish makes it feel tacky and of low quality. It looks remarkably similar to this device you can buy from China for $38.
Safe Zones
3.5/5
The Angelsense has the option to alert you when your loved one enters or leaves a certain area, but it can only do so via the app and not a call (so you could easily miss it if a loved one went missing). Unlike the Tranquil Watch, there is no beacon to alert you as soon as they leave the house, rather than having to wait until they leave a 500ft geofence.
Location History
2.5/5
Instead of having a full location history with a breadcrumb trail, the Angelsense only allows you to see when they were at a ‘Named location’ you’ve labelled in the past, e.g. their dentist. This means If they went somewhere else, you’d not be able to see where they went.
Calling
2/5
The Angelsense doesn’t offer the ability to call out from the device, only call in to it from your phone. This one-sided feature seems counterintuitive to us and is probably to save them money on call costs, which considering you’re paying such a high subscription, seems shady.
SOS Button
2/5
The Angelsense has something they call ‘SOS Call Request’, and not a traditional SOS button. When the button is pressed, it sends an app notification to you saying they want to be rung, but doesn’t trigger an outbound call. Only giving an app alert rather than a call means you’re more likely to miss the alert in an emergency.
Auto-Answer (Listen in)
3/5
The Angelsense allow you to do what they call ‘1-Way Voice’, so you can call the device and ‘listen in’ to their surroundings. However, you only get 1 hour of ‘listening’ time included in the expensive subscription, which is ridiculous considering that’s a call made from your phone, so is charged to your cell plan!
In addition, the microphone is not great quality and seen as the device may be in a bag or pocket, it’s hard to hear what’s going on around them
User Needs a Smartphone?
5/5
As the Angelsense has a sim card embedded inside, the wearer does not need to carry a smartphone for the tracker to function
Tracking App?
3/5
The FREE Angelsense App is available for iOS (iPhones) and Android devices. However, some customers mention the app is ‘poorly programmed’ on their reviews and their app scores a worrying 2.3/5 on Apple’s App Store (as of 12/9/22).
Waterproofness
2/5
The Angelsense is only splash-proof, not fully waterproof, that means it can’t be submerged in water or worn in the bath, shower or pool. They do sell a ‘waterproof pouch’ with the device, but it’s essentially just a sealable plastic bag which you have to buy separately and would limit the usability of the device (e.g. the speaker).
Upfront vs Monthly Fees
1/5
Sadly, this is where Angelsense really falls short in our opinion. The device itself is from $99 / £79, but they deploy the ‘razer blade model’ to make their money on the subscription.
The subscriptions are wildly overpriced for what you get, from $440 / £300 a year if you’re locked in to paying for a year upfront (with no refund if you cancel early), or a whopping $53 / £39 a month if you pay month to month.
For the money, you don’t get unlimited outbound calls or unlimited inbound calls and
Summary: Although the product and app look good, it’s not a viable tracker for seniors with a battery not even lasting a full day
Our Rating:
2/5
Available in: USA 🇺🇸
Reasons to buy
- Cheap Device
- Portable
- Good App
Reasons to avoid
- Bad Customer Support
- Short Battery Life
- No Calling Function
Company Reputation
Concerningly, Jiobit score a poor 3.1/5 on trusted review site, TrustPilot.
Common Review Comments
- Unresponsive customer service
- Shady review behavior
- Awful battery life
Company Analysis
FREE Shipping
Jiobit charges a minimum of $25 / £20 for express shipping
FREE Returns
Jiobit does NOT offer free returns
Helpline
Jiobit does NOT has a phone number you can call.
7 Day Support
Jiobit does NOT offer suppor at weekends.
Risk-Free Trial
Jiobit does offer a 30 day risk-free trial
Pro-Rata Refunds
Jiobit does NOT offer pro-rated refunds.
Good Reviews
Jiobit does NOT have good reviews (3.5/5)
Technical Support
Jiotbit offers technical support during business hours, Monday to Friday.
Product Analysis
Battery Life
2/5
The Jiobit advertises up to a week of battery life, however this is misleading as most reviews online mention a disappointing 6-12 hours when updating regularly, meaning it’s not a good solution for tracking elderly loved ones who don’t live with you.
Location Updates
3.5/5
Jiobit only updates its location regularly when it’s outside a ‘safe area’ which you can set and has ‘live mode’ for ‘real time’ tracking updates, but reviews have said it’s not turn-by-turn as advertised.
Design
4/5
The Jiobit scores well for design with a versatile form which can be attached to clothing, keys or pets. The issue we found it that it’s a bit large to go on a key-ring and not many older people would be happy having it attached to their clothing, so it’s better for cats than dementia patients.
Safe Zones
4/5
The Angelsense has the option to alert you when your loved one enters or leaves a certain area, but it can only do so via the app and not a call (so you could easily miss it if a loved one went missing). Unlike the Tranquil Watch, there is no beacon to alert you as soon as they leave the house, rather than having to wait until they leave a 500ft geofence.
Location History
2.5/5
Instead of having a full location history with a breadcrumb trail, the Angelsense only allows you to see when they were at a ‘Named location’ you’ve labelled in the past, e.g. their dentist. This means If they went somewhere else, you’d not be able to see where they went.
Calling
2/5
The Angelsense doesn’t offer the ability to call out from the device, only call in to it from your phone. This one-sided feature seems counterintuitive to us and is probably to save them money on call costs, which considering you’re paying such a high subscription, seems shady.
SOS Button
2/5
The Angelsense has something they call ‘SOS Call Request’, and not a traditional SOS button. When the button is pressed, it sends an app notification to you saying they want to be rung, but doesn’t trigger an outbound call. Only giving an app alert rather than a call means you’re more likely to miss the alert in an emergency.
Auto-Answer (Listen in)
3/5
The Angelsense allow you to do what they call ‘1-Way Voice’, so you can call the device and ‘listen in’ to their surroundings. However, you only get 1 hour of ‘listening’ time included in the expensive subscription, which is ridiculous considering that’s a call made from your phone, so is charged to your cell plan!
In addition, the microphone is not great quality and seen as the device may be in a bag or pocket, it’s hard to hear what’s going on around them
User Needs a Smartphone?
5/5
As the Angelsense has a sim card embedded inside, the wearer does not need to carry a smartphone for the tracker to function
Tracking App?
3/5
The FREE Angelsense App is available for iOS (iPhones) and Android devices. However, some customers mention the app is ‘poorly programmed’ on their reviews and their app scores a worrying 2.3/5 on Apple’s App Store (as of 12/9/22).
Waterproofness
5/5
The Angelsense is only splash-proof, not fully waterproof, that means it can’t be submerged in water or worn in the bath, shower or pool. They do sell a ‘waterproof pouch’ with the device, but it’s essentially just a sealable plastic bag which you have to buy separately and would limit the usability of the device (e.g. the speaker).
Upfront vs Monthly Fees
1/5
Sadly, this is where Angelsense really falls short in our opinion. The device itself is from $99 / £79, but they deploy the ‘razer blade model’ to make their money on the subscription.
The subscriptions are wildly overpriced for what you get, from $440 / £300 if you’re locked in to paying for a year upfront (with no refund if you cancel early), or a whopping $53 / £39 a month if you pay month to month.
For the money you don’t get unlimited outbound calls or unlimited inbound calls and