The Aging and Innovation Research Program, in collaboration with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario and AGE-WELL NCE, has compiled the following list of locator devices and technologies. This resource is intended to provide older adults, people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, care partners, and service providers with information regarding locator devices, which may be implemented to manage the risks of a person going missing.
The tables below contain information on locator devices ranging from physical devices to mobile applications for smartphones. For each device, we have listed the digital tracking platform that allows a person's location to be monitored, the device's size and shape, the type of tracking technology, and the price. The section below contains details on the specific types of tracking technologies available.
Please note that these device specifications were current as of October 2024 and therefore may not be reflective of current specifications. We strongly recommend you visit the manufacturer's website or contact the manufacturer for the most current information.
Tracking technologies
Different tracking technologies are utilized by devices included within the list. These include GPS, Bluetooth/proximity, smartphone applications, and radio frequency (RF):
Global positioning systems (GPS)
Global positioning systems, or GPS, use information from orbiting satellites to locate an individual carrying a transmitter. GPS devices require a power source to function, which typically takes the form of a small battery. This means that most GPS transmitters need to be charged frequently. Many GPS devices allow for a third party (i.e., a care partner, family member, first responder) to locate the transmitter in real time via an internet or smartphone application. Although GPS allows for precise locating outdoors, environmental obstructions such as buildings and trees can limit their functionality, and therefore their effectiveness may be limited in dense urban environments. It is important to note that cellular reliant or based GPS tracking devices are highly accurate when they are under the coverage of a cellular network but will not work if they are out of the coverage area.
Bluetooth low energy (BLE)
Bluetooth low energy, or BLE proximity locators (often referred to as Bluetooth) use a low energy wireless signal received by an internet connected device to locate a transmitter. Given that Bluetooth has a limited range of <100m, these types of devices often rely on a network of users to locate a person. The network of users is a drawback that is particularly relevant in rural settings. The benefit of this style of tracking is its low energy draw, with many batteries lasting over 1 year before needing to be replaced. They are also quite small in size when compared to GPS transmitters and have the ability to pinpoint the location of an individual indoors.
Smartphone applications
Smartphone applications designed for tracking rely on a combination of GPS and a cellular connection to determine the users location. The smartphone will often act both as a transmitter and locating device, depending on the specific context. Similar to other GPS-based tracking technologies, the precision of smartphone tracking is variable depending on the environment. The limited battery life of smartphones means they require frequent charging.
Radio frequency (RF)
Radio frequency, or RF transmitters, use radio waves to determine an individual's location. The range of this technology is larger than that of Bluetooth, allowing for locating up to 5 km. Radio frequency tracking can also be used to locate individuals indoors.
Locator devices and technologies
Locator devices have been categorized based on the tracking technology they use. The below links will bring you to the list of devices using the technology you select.
GPS devices
| Device name | 4G Senior GPS Tracker Watches | 4GX LiveLife Mobile Alert | AngelSense | Caretrak | Galaxy Medical Alert System |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Device type | Physical device and digital platform | Physical device and digital platform | Physical device and digital platform | Physical device and digital platform | Physical device and digital platform |
| Digital platform | iOS, Android | Web | iOS, Android, Web | Call center | iOS, Android |
| Price and subscription fee | $196.66 + $41.99/month (Canadian Dollars) |
$487.00 (Canadian Dollars) |
$300.00 + $69.99+/month (Canadian Dollars) |
$49.00 + $39.00+/month (Canadian Dollars) |
$49.95+/month (Canadian Dollars) |
| Shape and size | Watch ( 4.8 x 4.1 x 1.7 cm) |
Pendant with lanyard or watch attachments (6.1 x 4.2 x 1.6 cm) |
Pendant or watch (6 x 4.4 x 1.6 cm (pendant) | 4.7 x 3.53 x 1.6 cm (watch)) |
Pendant (Unspecified) |
Pendant with lanyard or beltloop attachment (6.9 x 3.5 x 1.45 cm) |
| Two-way communication | SOS button | SOS button, two-way voice | SOS button, two-way voice | SOS button, two-way voice | SOS button, two-way voice |
| Tracking technology | GPS, cellular | GPS, cellular | GPS, cellular | GPS, Wi-Fi | GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular |
| Region (s) | Canada | Canada | Canada, United Kingdom | Canada, United States | Canada |
| Battery life | 1-3 days | Up to 7 days | 16-24 hours | 48-72 hours | 96 hours |
| Description from manufacturer | Includes features such as GPS tracking, two-way voice communication, SMS messaging, fall alerts, medication reminders, and personalized monitoring options. Designed to provide peace of mind and convenience for older individuals, as well as those with conditions like Parkinson's, Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Autism. | GPS tracker designed to be worn around the neck. Features include fall detection, 2 way communication, with no monthly monitoring fees. Shows location via Google Maps. | Allows for real-time tracking, detailed location history, real-time alerts, assistive speakerphone, and 60 min/month of vocal calling. Multiple options for wearing including watch, lanyard, keychain, and on clothing. | All plans include Canada-wide wireless, GPS services and text/email alerts. Does not require a phone. The device goes around the neck on a pendant. The wearer can speak to care partner or an emergency operator through the pendant. Once the help button is pushed, the care partner or emergency operator will have access to their location. Care partners can also call the wearer through the pendant at any time. Optional feature is the mobile application designed for care partners to view their loved one's real time location. Also includes fall detection as an add-on option. |
GPS 4G device with help button, 24/7 help, automatic fall detection and caregiver application to track. |
| Device name | GeoZilla GPS Tracker | GL300 Real Time Mini GPS Tracker by Spytec | GL300MWS by Americaloc | On the Go by Lifeline | On the Go Mini by Lifeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Device type | Physical device and digital platform | Physical device and digital platform | Physical device and digital platform | Physical device | Physical device |
| Digital platform | iOS, Android | iOS, Android | iOS, Android, Web | Call center | Call center |
| Price and subscription fee | $99.95 + $4.99/month (United States Dollars) |
$154.95 + $24.95/month (United States Dollars) |
$65.00 + $32.00/month (United States Dollars) |
Contact for pricing | Contact for pricing |
| Shape and size | Pendant with lanyard or pouch attachment (4.7 x 4.1 x 1.7 cm) |
Block (8.0 x 2.9 x 4.2 cm) |
Block (6.9 x 3.8 x 2.3 cm) |
Lanyard (Unspecified) |
Pendant with lanyard attachment (Unspecified) |
| Two-way communication | SOS button | SOS button | No | SOS button, two-way voice | SOS button, two-way voice |
| Tracking technology | GPS, cellular | GPS | GPS | GPS | GPS and Wi-Fi |
| Region (s) | Worldwide | Worldwide | Worldwide | Canada | Unspecified |
| Battery life | 48-72 hours (active), 144 hours (standby) | 9-14 days | Up to 1 month | 2-3 days | Unspecified |
| Description from manufacturer | A palm-sized tracker that offers real-time global GPS tracking coverage. Can be worn either on a lanyard or on a belt clip. Works with both IOS and Android (associated application). SOS Button also included for location broadcasting via application notification, email, or text. | A battery-powered, real-time GPS tracker designed to track and monitor assets. This tracker works with an easy-to-use mobile and desktop applications and requires a commitment-free subscription. Designed for tracking vehicles, fleets, and valuables. | The Americaloc GL300MXW is a compact device designed for tracking vehicles, trucks, assets, employees, and more. With both tracking and monitoring capabilities, it offers real-time location updates via a smartphone application or online platform. | The "On the Go" waterproof pendant includes a built-in speaker and microphone so the user can talk directly with a Lifeline Response Associate when help is needed. GPS tracking and fall detection technology with a 24/7 response centre. | This devices is smaller than the "On the Go" product from Lifeline. It also includes wireless charging. It does not require a cellular contract or phone. Fall detection and two-way voice communication is included with a 24/7 response centre. |
| Device name | On the Go Wandering by Lifeline | Optimus 2.0 Portable GPS Tracker | Optimus 3.0 Portable GPS Tracker | PocketFinder Smart Tracker | Premium Mobile Plus by LifeAssure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Device type | Physical device and digital platform | Physical device and digital platform | Physical device and digital platform | Physical device and digital platform | Physical device |
| Digital platform | SMS text, Web | iOS, Android, Web | iOS, Android, Web | iOS, Android, Web | Call center |
| Price and subscription fee | Contact for pricing | $17.95 + 19.95/month (United States Dollars) |
$29.95 + $19.95/month (United States Dollars) |
$99.00 + $14.95/month (United States Dollars) |
$50.37+/month (Canadian Dollars) |
| Shape and size | Pendant with lanyard attachment (Unspecified) |
Block (7.6 x 3.8 x 2.5 cm) |
Block (7.9 x 3.8 x 4.4 cm) |
Pendant (5.8 x 4.4 x 1.4 cm) |
Block (7.6 x 4.8 x 2.0 cm) |
| Two-way communication | SOS button, two-way voice | SOS button | SOS button | SOS button | Two-way voice |
| Tracking technology | GPS | GPS, cellular | GPS, cellular | GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular | GPS |
| Region (s) | Unspecified | Canada, USA | Canada, United States | Canada, USA, Mexico | Worldwide |
| Battery life | Unspecified | Up to 2 weeks (standby) | 1 month | Unspecified | 80 hours |
| Description from manufacturer | Similar to the "On the Go" product from Lifeline but this version sends an SMS text to care partners with a link to an online map anytime the person wearing the devices leaves home. It also includes 24/7 response centre if help is needed. Fall detection and two way voice communication with the wearer is included. | A block-style GPS tracking device with built-in SOS button. Can track both in the USA and Canada. Cancel subscription any time. | A block-style GPS tracking device with built in SOS button. Can track both in the USA and Canada. Cancel subscription anytime. Difference from 2.0 version: longer battery life. | Wi-Fi touch for indoor locates. GPS, A-GPS, Cellular ID for outdoor locates. Has an SOS button, low battery, and safe zone alerts. | This device has a GPS locator, two-way voice communication, fall detection, and is water resistant. |
| Device name | Prime Mobile R4 by SafeTracks | Theoracare Smartwatch by SafeTracks | Spot Trace | Health Medical Alert Pendant by Telus | Theoracare GPS Tracking System by Project Lifesaver |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Device type | Physical device | Physical device and digital platform | Physical device and digital platform | Physical device and digital platform | Physical device and digital platform |
| Digital platform | Call center | iOS, Android | iOS, Android, Web | iOS, Android | iOS, Android |
| Price and subscription fee | $195.00 + $49.95+/month (Canadian Dollars) |
$350 + $49.95/month (Canadian Dollars) |
$184.99 + $11.95+/month (United States Dollars) |
$50.00/month (Canadian Dollars) |
$287.94 + $29.97/month (Canadian Dollars) |
| Shape and size | Pendant (6.1 x 4.4 x 1.6 cm) |
Watch (Unspecified) |
Block (6.8 x 5.1 x 1.0 cm) |
pendant with lanyard or belt attachment (7.5 x 2.2 cm) |
Watch (Unspecified) |
| Two-way communication | SOS button | SOS button, two-way voice | No | Two-way voice | SOS button |
| Tracking technology | GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular | GPS | GPS | GPS | GPS |
| Region (s) | Canada, United States | Canada, United States | Worldwide (excluding northern Nunavut, Greenland and India) |
Canada | Canada |
| Battery life | 24-36 hours | 12 - 24 hours | 4 days - 4.5 months (depending on tracking mode) |
Up to 6 days | 30 or 60 day options |
| Description from manufacturer | A GPS locating device with 2-way voice communication and an integrated SOS button. When the SOS button is pressed, the user can be connected to either a family member or directly to the SafeTracks Emergency Centre. Geo-fencing feature allows for emergency contacts to be notified based on pre-defined zones. | A wrist-worn device designed to provide peace of mind for caregivers and freedom for loved ones. A free mobile application allows for real-time monitoring and two-way voice communication. Geo-fencing with push notification via the mobile application. | SPOT Trace offers tracking for valued assets. Instantly receive a text or email when movement is detected and follow on SPOT map on via a phone or computer. | Automatic fall detection, built-in GPS and access to 24/7 emergency support. Device designed to be worn around the neck or on a belt clip. Supported through the Telus cellular network. | The Theora® Care tracking system is made up of Theora Connect™, a smartwatch for the at-risk loved one to wear. It works with a smartphone application for family caregivers to monitor and communicate with their loved one. Theora Care uses GPS tracking, which allows location tracking to be accurate when within cell service. |
| Device name | Tracki |
|---|---|
| Device type | Physical device and digital platform |
| Digital platform | iOS, Android |
| Price and subscription fee | $84.00 + $14.09/month (Canadian Dollars) |
| Shape and size | Block (4.5 x 3.8 x 1.4 cm) |
| Two-way communication | SOS button |
| Tracking technology | GPS |
| Region (s) | Worldwide |
| Battery life | 2 days - 6 months (depending on tracking mode) |
| Description from manufacturer | A small and light GPS tracker with worldwide coverage. Has option to be used with an external battery. Has an SOS button on the device. |
Bluetooth low energy (BLE) devices
| Device name | AirTag by Apple | Chipolo ONE | Galaxy SmartTag2 by Samsung | Tile Tracker |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Device type | Physical device and digital platform | Physical device and digital platform | Physical device and digital platform | Physical device and digital platform |
| Digital platform | iOS, Web | iOS, Android | Android | iOS, Android |
| Price and subscription fee | $39.00 (Canadian Dollars) |
$25.00+ (United States Dollars) |
$39.99 (Canadian Dollars) |
$34.99 (Canadian Dollars) |
| Shape and size | Pendant (0.8 x 2.3 x 3.2 cm) |
Pendant (0.6 x 3.8 x 3.8 cm) |
Pendant (2.9 x 5.2 x 0.8 cm) |
Pendant (3.8 x 3.8 x 0.7 cm) |
| Two-way communication | No | No | No | No |
| Tracking technology | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
| Region (s) | Worldwide | Worldwide | Unspecified | Worldwide |
| Battery life | Up to 1 year | Up to 2 years | Up to 500 days | Up to 1 year |
| Description from manufacturer | A small tracker the size of a coin that allows for proximity locating based on the network of iOS users. | A Bluetooth tracker with a mobile application to track and locate. Works in a 200ft/60m range. | This product is Bluetooth tracker similar to the "Apple AirTag". It is designed for objects. Device requires registration with the SmartThings application. Specific phones are compatible with the application: Galaxy devices (smartphones, tablets) with Android OS 9 or higher. Most Samsung phones are compatible. Battery is replaceable. | Small keychain tags or stickers placed on or in an object/person that are tracked by a free application on a phone/mobile device. |
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Smartphone applications
| Device name | Find My Friends by Apple | Life360 |
|---|---|---|
| Device type | Digital platform | Digital platform |
| Digital platform | iOS, Web | iOS, Android |
| Price and subscription fee | Free | Free |
| Shape and size | N/A | N/A |
| Two-way communication | Yes via smartphone | In-application SOS button |
| Tracking technology | GPS via SIM card | GPS via SIM card |
| Region (s) | Worldwide | Worldwide |
| Battery life | Dependent on mobile device | Dependent on mobile device |
| Description from manufacturer | Find My Friends allows the user to locate friends and family using an Apple iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. Once the application is installed, the users location can be shared with friends by choosing from their contacts, entering their email addresses or phone numbers, or using AirDrop. | Mobile application on smartphones/devices that use GPS to track group members. Other features include sending help alerts. The paid premium option allows for further customization but does not change the base functionality. |
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Radio frequency devices
| Device name | PLI-10KSYS Personal Locator System by Project Lifesaver |
|---|---|
| Device type | Physical device and physical locator |
| Digital platform | None |
| Price and subscription fee | $872.00 (CAD) |
| Shape and size | Wristband |
| Two-way communication | No |
| Tracking technology | Radio Frequency |
| Region (s) | Worldwide |
| Battery life | Unspecified |
| Description from manufacturer | This locating system consists of a transmitter wristband and a radio frequency receiver for locating the wearer. This same system is also used by many authorized local agencies across the world, a list of which can be found on the Project Lifesaver website. Pricing and availability may vary by agency. |
Disclaimer
This resource compiled by the Aging & Innovation Research Program is for information only. The information is provided by the Aging & Innovation Research Program and while we aim to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, or services contained on the website for any purpose. Product hyperlinks link to external web addresses and may not be current. The Aging & Innovation Research Program does not endorse nor recommend any of the manufacturers/products mentioned in this resource. It is important to remember that no one product or strategy can guarantee the safety of a person with dementia.
* = Cellular reliant or based GPS tracking device. These devices are highly accurate when they are under the coverage of a cellular network but will not work if they are not in a coverage area.