10 Best Elderly GPS Tracking Devices In 2023
We all hope for good health as we age, though this is sadly not the case for much of the population. Diseases such as Alzheimer’s or dementia can rob an aging parent of their cognitive abilities. Even without these horrible afflictions, falling may become an all-too-frequent issue as aging progresses.
The decision to use a GPS locator for elderly parents is intensely personal. Still, it doesn’t mean they’ll suddenly wear a portable GPS tracker watch when they’ve never worn a watch before, and necklaces may not be their thing. So what can you do to keep your senior safe?
In an effort to help families with senior loves ones battling cognitive decline, we brought together a variety of solutions in a list of the 10 best elderly GPS tracking devices. From, yes, wristwatches to necklace pendants and beyond to an unobtrusive belt clip or shirt clip, these wearable GPS trackers can show you the exact location to find wandering elderly loved ones or to get emergency help after a fall detection.
Plug & Play OBD2 GPS – Best Car GPS Tracker For Seniors
Alzheimer’s disease is absolutely terrible, but before people with dementia need a medical guardian device they first start showing signs of memory loss. Don’t wait until your senior loved one gets lost driving and finds themselves in an emergency situation before discussing real-time GPS tracking. In fact, if you have a senior loved one showing early signs of memory loss you should invest in a waterproof magnetic GPS tracker, or preferably an OBD2 GPS device. And what GPS car tracker is the best for senior drivers? The Plug & Play GPS.
Plug & Play GPS is a user-friendly real-time GPS tracker that gives family members the ability to know where an elderly loved one is 24/7. With no installation required and no monthly subscription fees, Plug & Play GPS is ideal for families worried a senior loved one is showing early signs of Alzheimers’ or Dementia. This OBDii tracker stands above other Amazon top sellers such as Vyncs GPS and Bouncie because of the no monthly fees, 3-second update rate on real time locations, and finally quality technical support based here in the USA that can help you utilize all the awesome features of the real time GPS tracker!
Get instant alerts if a senior driver is lost. Always know where your elderly loved ones are 24/7, regardless if you are in the same city. Rest assured you know the exact location of the people you love. That is what the Plug & Play real-time GPS tracker offers!
Product Highlights:
- Best Micro GPS Tracker For Senior Driving
- No Monthly Fees
- Geofencing Alerts For Senior Safety
Battery & Specifications:
- Battery Life, on 3-sec to 3-min updates | Unlimited (OBD-II device)
- Tracking Technology | 4G LTE + Satellite
- Dimensions | H: 2.50″ W: 1.89″ D: 0.96″
ZOLEO – Best Global Satellite GPS Tracker For Personal Safety
Retirement is often a time for exploration, though it can be hard to stay connected across borders. No cellular provider fills in all the nooks and crannies of hills and valleys, and vast stretches of the countryside are also coverage-challenged.
However, with the ZOLEO personal GPS tracker and its “no gap” coverage, your parents can send updates of their real-time GPS location or call for help from emergency services with the push of a button. The “Check-in” button will ensure you know everything is alright, while the SOS button will contact you and ZOLEO’s 24/7 emergency response coordinator.
A monthly subscription is required to enable these real-time tracking features that connect the device with their smartphones to provide satellite coverage outside the range of standard cell towers. Unlike many gadgets on this list, ZOLEO allows the user to set the real-time GPS tracker to update between intervals of 6 minutes to 4 hours.
Product Highlights:
- Access a range of emergency features, including an SOS button and 24/7 emergency response service
- Accurate to 2.5 m (8.2 ft)
- Stay connected with global coverage (no gaps)
- Compact and lightweight design fits easily in a pocket or backpack
Battery and Specifications:
- Up to 200+ hours of standby time
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Operating temperature range: -20°C to 55°C (-4°F to 131°F)
- Waterproof and dustproof (IP68 rated)
- Dimensions: 4.5 cm x 7.3 cm x 2.5 cm (1.8 in x 2.9 in x 1 in)
Jiobit – Amazon’s Best Wearable GPS Tracker For Elderly
There are stages of dementia where elderly loved ones can still recognize the importance of using a GPS locator such as a tracker watch or other portable GPS trackers like the Jiobit. However, the nature of those afflictions will eventually cause them to forget why they’re carrying it around or to become agitated by their presence.
Therefore, GPS trackers for dementia patients and those with Alzheimer’s disease should be discreet. In the box comes the mini GPS tracker and three types of clips for various arrangements on clothing, backpacks, belts, and purses, with an additional loophole built directly into the body. You can also find other brackets, pouches, or clips that may fit your needs on the manufacturer’s website, such as the strap clip that can only be released using the proprietary JioKey.
Right now, the Jiobit is on sale for $129.99, though the regular price on Amazon is $149.99. It’s not the most affordable GPS tracker (we saved that title for the Spark Nano 7; read on to learn more about that unit), but it has one of the lowest monthly subscription plans at $3!
Product Highlights:
- GPS location tracking
- Geofence alerts
- Low monthly subscription
- Compact and discreet design
Battery and Specifications:
- 7-10 days of battery life
- Rechargeable lithium-polymer battery
- Waterproof and dustproof (IP67 rated)
- Dimensions: 4.9 cm x 3.7 cm x 1 cm (1.96 in x 1.45 in x 0.47 in)
ADT Medical Alert – Neck Pendant For Wandering Seniors
The ADT Medical Alert Neck Pendant is a dependable and user-friendly personal emergency response system for elderly care. Similar to the famous Bay Alarm Medical Alert systems, seniors can press a single large button to get help after a fall, medical emergency, or other crisis.
The neck pendant is lightweight and discreet and can be worn around the neck or on a wristband. In addition to the neck pendant, ADT provides a comprehensive service that includes 24/7 monitoring by professional security experts and no long-term contracts or cancellation fees.
Neither Bay Alarm Medical’s nor ADT’s Medical Alert Systems require a landline. Still, a monthly subscription is required for their use inside or outside the home.
Product Highlights:
- One-touch call for help in an emergency
- 24/7 monitoring by ADT’s professional security experts
- Option to add automatic fall detection for an additional fee
Battery and Specifications:
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Up to 18 months of battery life
- Operating temperature range: -10°C to 50°C (14°F to 122°F)
- Dimensions: 5 cm x 3.5 cm x 2 cm (2 in x 1.4 in x 0.8 in)
- Weight: 28 grams (1 ounce)
AngelSense – Best 2-Way Speakerphone & SOS Button For Seniors
Not all of the devices in this list have SOS buttons, but the AngelSense micro GPS tracker was made with independent senior living in mind. The alert button enables your senior loved one to get help immediately in case they’re lost or have gotten hurt. One of the standout features of this tracker for the elderly is the two-way communication assistive speakerphone, which allows caregivers to offer added reassurance in an emergency.
A medical guardian caring for a dementia patient or a child with special needs will also appreciate the unique locking mechanism used to secure the original AngelSense GPS tracker device to everything from a pair of pants to a backpack. Non-removable pins magnetically pinch the fabric between themselves and a protective, sensory-safe sleeve. Like Jiobit’s JioKey, these pins may only be removed by a special key.
While WiFi connectivity will help this GPS tracker for seniors to locate a wearer in the home, it and other real-time GPS tracking devices rely on internal SIM cards to connect with 5G or 4G cellular services. Inside the house or out, this GPS tracker for elderly loved ones will report accurate location information, thorough trip history, and alerts when exiting or entering safe zones. A monthly subscription is required for this model, and it’s one of the highest on the list, but the additional features more than make up for the cost.
Product Highlights:
- 2-way assistive speakerphone for real-time communication
- Boundary crossing alerts
- SOS button for emergency situations
- Sensory-friendly carrying pouch 10-second updates
Battery and Specifications:
- Up to 24 hours of battery life
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Operating temperature range: -10°C to 50°C (14°F to 122°F)
- Dimensions: 6.1 cm x 4.39 cm x 1 cm (2.4 in x 1.73 in x 0.63 in)
- Weight: 39 grams (1.4 ounces)
Geozilla – Best Belt Clip Option For Seniors
As trackers for elderly loved ones go, the GeoZilla GPS location tracker is about as miniature as they come. Weighing only 1.06, this GPS device and accompanying service is designed to help caregivers keep track of their loved ones and ensure their safety and security.
One of the key features of the GeoZilla device is its hard shell belt clip design, which allows it to be worn discreetly and comfortably on a belt or waistband. This makes it an ideal solution for seniors who want to maintain their independence and mobility while still having the reassurance of being able to call for help if needed.
With regular 60-second updates, expect around 3 days of battery life from this mini guardian, which is considerable when you take into account the size and weight of this tiny GPS tracker.
Product Highlights:
- Safe zone alerts
- SOS button
- Compact and discreet design with belt clip
Battery and Specifications:
- Up to 3 days of battery life
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Operating temperature range: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F)
- Dimensions: 4.7 cm x 4 cm x 1.78 cm (1.85 in x 1.6 in x 0.7 in)
- Weight: 30 grams (1.06 ounces)
SecuLife SOS Wristband – Life-Saving Alert System
As a life-saving alert system, SecuLife has a standout device. While it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of a smartwatch, it can still be programmed with medical alerts to remind the wearer to take medications! The Seculife SOS wristband can also receive calls from designated phone numbers or call out to key-bound phone numbers of caregivers. In the middle is a large SOS button to call emergency contacts in the event of a fall or getting lost.
Product Highlights:
- SOS button for emergency situations
- Unlimited geofencing
- Large buttons
- Two-way speakerphone
Battery and Specifications:
- Up to 24 hours of battery life
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Dimensions: 5.2 cm x 4.2 cm x 1.5 cm (2.04 in x 1.65 in x 0.59 in)
- Weight: 167 grams (5.9 ounces)
Spark Nano 7- Most Affordable Personal GPS For Seniors
Despite being the most affordable tracker for the elderly on this list, the Spark Nano 7 is one of the most well-known car trackers in the industry. Many advocates utilize the optional weatherproof magnetic case to ensure a strong connection with the vehicle’s frame.
With its small and lightweight design, the Spark Nano 7 is also easy to carry in a pocket or purse, ideal for quick access to the built-in SOS button. Multiple geofences can be mapped out around specific locations, such as a doctor’s office, care home, or nature park, with boundaries that will alert caregivers if crossed. Brickhouse Security, the GPS manufacturer of the Spark Nano 7, created this device for both personal and vehicle tracking applications.
Product Highlights:
- GPS tracking and location history
- SOS button
- Affordable pricing with no long-term contracts or hidden fees
Battery and Specifications:
- Up to 2 weeks of battery life at 1-minute update intervals
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Operating temperature range: -20°C to 55°C (-4°F to 131°F)
- Water-resistant design
- Dimensions: 7.6 cm x 3.8 cm x 2.5 cm (3 in x 1.5 in x 1 in)
- Weight: 79 grams (3.3 ounces)
Dynotag – GPS Enabled Pendant With Medical ID
In contrast to all of the real-time, active GPS trackers on this list, the DynoTag is a passive GPS tracker for elderly persons coupled with medical ID information. It’s a simple and low-cost method of keeping an eye on aging parents from afar.
With no batteries to install on this lightweight metal frame, the scannable QR code will provide first responders with detailed medical alerts about an elderly citizen’s important history, such as sensitivities and allergies to medication. When scanned, emergency contacts will receive an automatic email detailing the location of where the tag was found.
Product Highlights:
- Medical ID with important information such as allergies and medications
- Passive GPS technology
- Similar to military dog tags
- Affordable pricing with no long-term contracts or hidden fees
- Lifetime replacement warranty
Battery and Specifications:
- No battery
- Water-resistant design
- Dimensions: 3.2 cm (1.25 in)
- Weight: 35 grams (1.2 ounces)
Theora Care – GPS Tracker Watch for Elderly
Theora Care’s GPS tracker watch is a reliable and purpose-built device designed to protect elderly persons. A unique feature not found elsewhere on this list is the auto-answer two-way assistive speakerphone, meaning a caregiver can force the watch to answer the call even if the user cannot press a button to receive the call.
Doubling as a GPS tracker, this GPS watch enhances peace of mind with boundary-crossing notifications, an SOS button, and superior customer support specialists.
Additional features include a pedometer for activity tracking, on-screen weather reports, and remote notifications on low battery levels, including audible alerts to let the user know the charging connection is secure and working.
Product Highlights:
- Safe zone alerts
- Two-way voice call for real-time communication
- Easy-to-use interface with large buttons and clear display
- Accurate to within 3 m (10 ft)
Battery and Specifications:
- Battery life: 24 – 30 hours
- Rechargeable battery
- Dimensions: 4.4 cm x 5.2 cm x 1.3 cm (1.7 in x 2 in x 0.5 in)
- Weight: 56 grams (1.97 ounces)
14 Benefits Of Elderly GPS Tracker Watches & Personal Locators
There’s a nearly endless list of benefits to using a GPS location tracker to monitor your senior loved ones, so it was hard to pick only 15 to go into this list:
- Real-time location tracking: Allows caregivers to know where their loved one is at all times. Safe zone alerts: Notifies caregivers if their loved one leaves a designated safe zone.
- Fall detection and notification: Immediately notify emergency contacts in case of a fall or other emergency.
- Two-way voice call: Reassuring fallen loved ones may prove essential when they become frightened or disoriented.
- SOS button: Allows the wearer to quickly and easily call for help in an emergency.
- Compact and discreet design: The Jiobit or the sensory-friendly AngelSense GPS tracker can be worn comfortably and inconspicuously.
- Long battery life: Some, like the Spark Nano 7, offer extreme battery lives that can go for several days or weeks without needing a charge.
- Water-resistant design: Can be worn in wet or rainy conditions.
- Easy to use: Designed for seniors and those with special needs, with large buttons to send medical alerts and accurate location updates.
- Affordable pricing: Many options are reasonably priced, with no long-term contracts or hidden fees.
- iOS and Android compatible: Most tracking systems offer applications for both Apple and Android devices.
- Access to a web portal and mobile app: Allows caregivers to monitor their loved ones’ location, movements, and safety.
- Professional monitoring: Some options include access to a team of safety experts available 24/7 to assist in an emergency.
- Medical ID: Some options include a built-in Medical ID with important information such as allergies and medications.
- Peace of mind: Provides reassurance for seniors and their caregivers, knowing that help is just a button press away.
Personal GPS Trackers For The Elderly – How We Test & Evaluate
Senior safety is a very serious topic for us. That is why every product mentioned in this article was put through rigorous testing. As a review website, we understand the importance of finding the best GPS tracker for seniors and that is why this list was based on the following criteria:
- Senior GPS Type: We evaluated elderly GPS devices that come in various form factors such as necklaces, watches, bracelets, and personal GPS trackers. We considered the senior’s preference for discreetness or visibility while reviewing these devices.
- Monthly Subscription Fees: We looked at the cost of each data plan and how it could fit into a senior’s monthly expenses.
- Additional Features: We evaluated GPS trackers that offer additional features such as fitness tracking, SOS emergency buttons, two-way calling, and audio monitoring. And made sure these features were easy-to-use and reliable.
- GPS Capabilities: We made sure tracking devices were accurate, geofences were easily programmed, and the mobile app was user-friendly enough for any senior to operate.
Based on our evaluations, this is the list of top GPS trackers for seniors. We believe that these devices will provide the best experience for seniors and their caregivers.
Learn more about how we test and evaluate products by visiting our methodology page.
FAQs
How Do I Monitor My Elderly Parent Living Alone?
Independence can be hard to give up for many individuals, but it can prove essential to keeping a loved one safe. Living alone may still be an option for those that do not require memory care, albeit with some form of supervision. GPS tracking devices that connect with a medical alert system like the DynoTag are an ideal way to monitor elderly parents living alone. Falling can be a significant concern, and many location trackers have built-in alert systems that will be triggered by events such as these. An alert button may also be included, designed to notify contacts in case of other issues like getting lost or other medical emergencies. Often, a device such as the Theora Care GPS watch will also include a measure of water resistance for protection if an older adult forgets to take off their watch before washing their hands.
What Are The Signs That An Elderly Person Should Not Live Alone?
Medical professionals, family members, and the person of interest should have a role in making proper care assessments when deciding if an older adult should no longer live alone. Care homes come at a high cost to the individual and sometimes to the family, so, unfortunately, those are not always the best choice. It’s a difficult situation, no doubt about that, but here are some signs that an older person should begin receiving home monitoring or assisted living for dementia care:
- Difficulty with daily tasks: If an elderly person is having trouble with basic activities such as bathing, dressing, or cooking, they may not be able to live alone safely.
- Cognitive decline: Memory loss, confusion, getting lost and forgetfulness may become agitating for people with dementia and strongly indicate the requirement for home care or other assisted living options.
- Social isolation: Isolation can lead to loneliness and depression, not to mention the inability to call for help.
- Physical decline: The decline of physical health may incur more significant risks, such as falls or other accidents.
- Mobility issues: Lack of mobility will lead to greater health concerns and more isolation from friends and family.
If attempting home care in your own familiar environments, your loved one’s doctors may provide you with a care guide to keep everything in order. It may be best to learn about the latest care technology, such as a personal GPS tracker for dementia patients with a medical alert button.
How Do You Keep Track Of An Elderly Person?
Keeping a loved one safe can be a full-time job, but there are many tools to help with that. A portable GPS locator, worn clipped to their shirt or on their wrist, is one way to keep track of an elderly person, but who has the time or will to watch every step of their aging parent? Geofencing, or creating virtual boundaries around a specific location, is an essential aspect of any portable GPS tracker for elderly patients in memory care. If the person being tracked crosses the boundary’s edge, an alert can be sent to a caregiver, medical alert system, or emergency contact. Geofencing can be especially useful for keeping track of an elderly person who tends to wander or become disoriented.
How Does GPS Fall Detection Work?
GPS fall detection is a feature that a GPS locator may use to detect if an individual has experienced a fall. Often, a shock detector, internal gyroscope, or accelerometer will determine if a sharp change in the direction results from a fall and will send out medical alerts to emergency contacts. Some devices also have an SOS button that the wearer can press to manually call for help.
Will My 80-Year-Old Mother With Dementia Wear A GPS Locator?
It might be challenging to get someone with dementia to agree to wear something new, like a GPS watch, or to hang a pendant from their neck. Much of the time, she won’t forget to put on her shoes! A mini GPS tracker for the elderly, like the GPS SmartSole or the Apple AirTag key finder, could be a safer bet than the SecuLife Wristband or the Spark Nano 7.
Our Family Lives In Different States. Can The Whole Family Access My Mom’s Location With GPS?
Almost every device on this list allows caregivers and family members to log into web-based or mobile phone applications to monitor a loved one’s location from anywhere they may be. There may be some setup involved for everyone to gain access, but enabling those concerned to perform check-ins, notify others of unusual behaviors, and share medical alerts offers immediate peace of mind to everyone involved.
