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My father has late stage dementia and uses a power chair to be able to move around. We live in a secure community and most people know my father and look out for him. But lately, he likes to sneak out of the house while I'm taking a shower, or anytime that I step away. I'm looking for any suggestions as to which gps/cellular tracking device would work best for us.

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For about 1.5 years, my husband has worn Timex Family Connect watch. It has lots of smart phone features but we use it for tracking and fall detection only. I have an app on my phone with real time tracking map.
My husband's dementia is mid stage. He cherishes walking our dog, Lily, around the neighborhood. We have informed most neighbors of his diagnosis. I dread taking this last bit of independence from him. Lily has an 11-year walking routine that she leads. I'm not very concerned they will get lost. Keeping this cherished activity in his life is worth the minor risk involved.
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Reply to Debmiller
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AmThereToo May 8, 2024
That is great! I wish I could do the same for my Mom, but her sense of direction was rotten before dementia got her.
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I am wondering how safe/unsafe your Father's escapades are?

Can he judge distance to safely steer around people, dogs or objects in his path? Judge time & speed to cross roads??

Is the aim to track his whereabouts - to locate him quickly as he needs supervision? Tracking will add some safety but will it be enough? Or do you need to prevent these solo trips altogether?
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Reply to Beatty
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No judgement here but I agree that preventing him from leaving seems more pressing than tracking him after he has already left. My mom tried several times to escape but was prevented by a simple $6 solution. A flip door lock, installed just above eye level for her kept her from leaving while I showered or took care of other things. We installed on both doors and still use them for extra security now that she has gone to memory care.

Prime-Line U 9888 Flip Action Door Lock - Reversible White Privacy Lock with Anti-Lock Out Screw for Child Safe Mode, 2-
3/4"
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Southernwaver May 12, 2024
Thanks for the tip; this is a great suggestion
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Please note that Apple Airtags have a limited range of 30 feet of someone who has an iPhone. Apple discourages its use on pets due to a health risk (radio-frequency electromagnetic fields), so they would probably discourage its use on people.
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Fawnby May 4, 2024
The Air Tag uses the Find My app to ping off others' Apple devices so that it's findable outside of the Bluetooth 30' range.
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You need to find locks on your doors so Dad cannot get out. If round knobs, there are child covers that make it so the child cannot get out but u can open the door. There are key deadbolts. Not Fire friendly but my Uncle was never left alone. Once he passed, my cousin had them removed. There is somekind of lock you can have put highervon the door where he can't reach. If he gets mad because he can't leave the house, may be time to place him.
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Reply to JoAnn29
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Apple has what is called an air tag. They are $29. and can fit into his pocket. They are about the size of a quarter and you can track him on your I phone. I have one for my husband and attach it to his belt with a carabiner.
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Reply to Cheri1
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Apple AirTag or if he has a RAZ Memory phone it already has tracking capability.
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Reply to Geaton777
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The tag has to be attached to his chair since he may not remember to take his phone.

But I agree with others that maybe it's time to end his unaccompanied wandering.
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Reply to Geaton777
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I used a air/land/sea tracker that was magnetic and attached under the chair seat. My partner has dementia and would wander off alot. The tracker is rechargeable and works great. There is a monthly fee but it's worth it. I could find him easily with the app on my phone. He is in memory care now but that tracker made it easy to find him.
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Reply to Kenna2017
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If he carries a phone, install some app with gps (there are bunches, I use Life360. No endorsement, just fact).
Get a Tile or an Apple Air Tag and hide it on the scooty. They don't usually track in real time, but better than nothing.
Best option is to disable the vehicle when you have to focus on something else. Take the keys, unplug the battery...Or see if you can tag team with someone. Good luck. Dementia is crafty!
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