There are dozens of GPS tracking devices on the market designed to help keep tabs on those with memory issues and other cognitive impairments who may wander off. They’re designed to keep these people safe as well as provide peace of mind to family members caring for them.

While tracking devices for the elderly have been around for over a decade, a newer model of non-invasive tracking called GPS SmartSole is reminding people about the potential importance of wearable technology for vulnerable groups.

The benefit of the insole is that the person being monitored doesn’t need to remember to bring anything with them when they leave – they just need to be wearing their shoes.

“No need for them to remember to carry a separate tracking device, just slip on their shoes and go – like they normally would. This system capitalizes on procedural memory, which means even those with advanced memory disorders typically remember to wear shoes!,” their website exclaims.

A decade ago, George Mason University professor Andrew Carle coined his research on GPS insoles “nana technology.” Get it?

Now, that research has been commodified via a company called GTX Corp which makes the insoles.

In 2014, Carle told the Washington Post just how critical technology like this will become:

“You’ve got 5 million people with Alzheimer’s in this country,” he said, “and that’s going to quadruple. You’re going to have municipalities who do nothing but search and rescue for local seniors all day.”

Of course, price is still a barrier with new(ish) technology. Just one pair of insoles cost $299+ tax & shipping and also requires a monthly fee for the service plan ($29.95/month or $74.95/quarter). It’s too expensive for many people, especially those with more than one pair of shoes!

On top of that, you also have to have someone monitor the GPS location via an app. But that’s the easy part since most people have smartphones.

The good thing about the GPS insoles is that the person wearing them doesn’t even know they’re there. Many patients have reported being bothered by other wearables such as tracking bracelets.

For those who can afford it, however, the SmartSoles can provide invaluable peace of mind, especially for those with memory issues living on their own or who spend part of the day without on-site care.

Of course, the technology can be used to violate a person’s privacy as well, but the goal is to either have an agreement with the person wearing them. But if they’re not capable of consent in their own best interests, caregivers can simply “sneak them in” for protection. (The company also makes similar technology for children.)

According to The 2013 World Alzheimer’s report:

Currently, over 100 million people require oversight due to various forms of memory impairment. That number is expected to increase to 277 million by 2050, 60% of them will become “lost” at least once. 70% of those will become ‘lost’ 3 or more times. 46% of wanders not found within 24 hours may die.

It’s clear that we need some way to keep track of people with dementia in order to keep them safe. But at the moment, it appears that unless it’s covered by insurance, the technology will belong only to the wealthy, at least for now. However, the company does its best to provide payment plans and work with Medicaid caseworkers in a few states to get the insoles covered. Some insurance companies may cover them as well, at least in part.

Be sure to scroll down below to see one woman’s experience with the GPS insole for eldercare.

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Source: GPS Smart Sole, Washington Post, GTX Corp via YouTube