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7 min readEquipped with a GPS tracker and a unique Bluetooth alarm system, the Tranquil Watch helps seniors in all stages of dementia. It also boasts a one-week battery life, fully waterproof design, and a classic analog watch face in four colors.
That said, the Tranquil Watch does cost more upfront than other options. We've rounded up a few other GPS trackers ideal for people with Alzheimer's or dementia to help you find what works best for you.
Get a free AngelSense device
🔥 AngelSense is currently offering a FREE kids GPS tracking device (regularly $229) when you sign up for a month-to-month or annual service plan!
Info current as of publish date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Best GPS trackers for people with dementia
- : Best overall
- : Pro monitoring pick
- : Best wear options
- : Best for budgets
- : Discreet pick
Compare GPS trackers for dementia and Alzheimer's disease
Each GPS locator uses a companion app that shows a map with your loved one’s location. A few other common features in most (but not all) of these GPS devices include geofencing, SOS buttons, and fasteners that keep the device on your loved one.
Product | Best for | Lowest monthly price | Equipment price | Activation fee | Battery life | Learn more | |
| Best overall | $895.00 | None | 7 days | View on Tranquil | Read review | ||
| Professional monitoring pick | $149.95 | None | 120 hours | View on Medical Guardian | Read review | ||
| Best wear options | $229.00 | $59.00 | 24 hours | View on AngelSense | Read review | ||
| Best for budgets | $247.97 | $39.97 | 24 hours | View on Theora Care | Read review | ||
| Discreet pick | $359.00 | None | 48 hours | View on SmartSole | Read review |
*$39.95 monthly price with annual plan, paid in advance. Month-to-month service starts at $44.95.
All pricing including Amazon.com price as of post date. Read full disclaimer.
1. Tranquil GPS Watch: Best overall
Best overall
The Tranquil GPS Watch was designed specifically for people with dementia. We love it because it's fully waterproof and lasts up to one week on a single charge. The Tranquil GPS Watch also has an auto-answer feature, an SOS button, and geofencing capabilities.
Pros
Disguised as a stylish wristwatch
Auto-answer with 2-way talk
SOS button
30-day risk-free trial
Optional locking strap
Free 2-day shipping
1-week battery 
Cons
Bulky on smaller wrists
Bigger investment required Bluetooth alarm for wandering alerts
The Tranquil Watch also stands out thanks to its Bluetooth alarm system. The Watch comes with beacons that emit Bluetooth signals. The watch connects to these signals when it's within a certain range (about 33 feet). If the watch goes out of range, you'll get an alert via text, call, or email.
You can also program the watch to call or text in-home caregivers if your loved one wanders out of range. This versatile alarm system is unique to the Tranquil watch and is one of the major reasons we've crowned it as the best watch for people with dementia.
Accessories and policies
It comes in four stylish designs, and you can purchase a locking strap to prevent your loved one from trying to take the watch off.
The Tranquil GPS Watch ships to you for free in 2 days and has a 12-month warranty plus a 30-day risk-free trial.
Learn more in our full Tranquil Watch review.
2. Medical Guardian Mini Guardian: Professional monitoring pick
Professional monitoring pick
Medical Guardian's Mini Guardian is ideal for people who are in the early stages of dementia, live independently, and haven't experienced significant cognitive declines. It gives them access to professional monitors 24/7 at the push of a button.
Pros
Three location technologies
Automatic fall detection
Professional monitoring
Caregiver app for tracking Cons
No safety lock
No geofences On the flip side, you can't set up any geofences or safe zones, but you can check their location at any time through the companion app.
Learn more in our full Medical Guardian product guide.
3. AngelSense: Best wear options
Best wear options
AngelSense is a small device that attaches to your loved one’s clothes or waistband, using safety lock pins to stay in place. We love that all of AngelSense’s wearable technology is comfy for older adults and children alike.
A person with dementia can wear the device on their clothes or with the specialized waist belt all day without any irritating seams or tags. The waist belt is a unique addition for GPS locators, especially for people who have trouble keeping their clothing on.
Pros
Comfortable all-day wear
Auto-answer with two-way talk
Audible alarm
SOS button Cons
Not waterproof
Needs to be charged daily Like the Tranquil Watch, AngelSense has a drop-in audio feature that lets you listen in to your loved one's environment or speak to them directly, regardless of whether they're able to answer your call or press the SOS button.
Unfortunately, AngelSense is not waterproof, but the sleeves can help keep water off the device while they’re outside.
Stand-out feature: Runner mode
Most important of all, AngelSense is the best GPS tracker for people with dementia for finding someone during an emergency. You can loop in friends or law enforcement for an all-hands-on-deck search. Everyone can see the device's location once you share the emergency tracking link directly from the app.
You'll get location updates every 10 seconds when you activate "runner mode," and you can also cause the device to emit an audible beep to help with tracking. AngelSense also leverages Wi-Fi signals for accurate indoor location tracking.
Learn more about pricing and features from our full AngelSense review.
Video: AngelSense GPS Tracker review
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4. Theora Connect: Best for budgets
Best for budgets
Theora Connect is a GPS watch with the same core features as Tranquil and AngelSense: an SOS button, auto-answer with two-way talk, geofencing, and an optional locking strap.
Theora Connect stumbles into third place due to a shorter battery life (just 18 to 24 hours), no free trial, and charges for shipping and activation. It's also water resistant rather than waterproof.
Pros
Disguised as a stylish wristwatch
Pairs with a door alarm
Optional locking strap
Auto-answer with two-way talk
In-app location sharing
Pedometer and weather app Cons
Requires charging every day
No free trial
Activation and shipping fees But it's not all bad news for Theora Connect—this GPS watch for people with dementia does have some unique features. It can pair with a door alarm to alert in-home caregivers to an elopement in progress. It also includes a pedometer, weather app, and changeable watch face.
As with AngelSense, Theora Connect lets you loop in other caregivers in the app, giving your relatives or professional caregivers access to your loved one’s location. It’s a quick way to form search parties in your community.
5. SmartSole: Discreet GPS tracker
Discreet pick
If your loved one has a hard time with watches, belts, or clips, SmartSole is an alternative personal GPS tracker that could work for them. This unobtrusive device is disguised as a shoe insole that you can trim and fit to their favorite pair.
Pros
Discreet design
Location history and mapping
Discounts available Cons
Basic app functions SmartSoles are expensive up front and can cost up to $25 per month (depending on which plan you choose). Both plans offer basic location features to help you keep track of your loved one.
If you have a limited budget, there are discounts for ordering multiple pairs of insoles. You can also get a discount through some insurance companies (just ask your agent before you buy). SmartSole also has some helpful Medicare resources.
While SmartSole isn’t on the cutting edge of tech, its readings are accurate and easy to understand. We like that it’s a discreet way to care for a person with dementia without causing them discomfort or unwanted attention.
6. Tack GPS Plus: Budget Alternative
Budget alternative
Tack is a tiny GPS tracker that is lighter and smaller than Apple Watch Ultra. Its compact, lightweight size makes it great for a variety of uses. While it doesn’t have a speaker, it does have a call button that will send a notification to your phone if your loved one presses it.
It does have a wearable strap, but it may need to be secured to clothing if you have concerns about your loved one leaving it behind. Some users report that the app can be less accurate than they would like, but overall it is a good GPS tracker for the value.
Pros
Tiny and subtle design
Add multiple caregivers to app
Geofencing
Optional safety lock
Long battery life Cons
Contract required for cheaper plan
No two-way talk Jiobit gets the job done if you're pinching pennies, but it's not the best GPS tracker for people with dementia because it lacks a speaker. You can't talk to your loved one and ask them to wait for you or reassure them if they're scared.
That said, Jiobit has an impressive battery life and has proved accurate in our tests.
Learn more from our full Jiobit review.
Final word
Whether you’re caring for a parent, grandparent, or other family member with dementia, you don’t have to go it alone.
Technology like GPS trackers and medical alert systems can help you along the way, and our top pick is Tranquil Watch. But it's no replacement for support from friends, family, and community. The more help you have from the people around you, the better care you can provide for your loved one.
FAQs
Wandering is a common behavior for people with dementia like Alzheimer’s. It usually comes from stress or anxiety.1
Common reasons for wandering includes looking for a lost item, running through an old routine, expressing a basic need, or being in a new or unfamiliar place.
When people with dementia wander, it often comes from stress or fear. Creating a strict routine can help keep them comfortable and grounded.
To prevent wandering, hide your car keys, add a chime on the exits to the home, or camouflage the door with a curtain or sticker decal.
Pacing and restless wandering around the house are usually good indicators. If they talk to themselves, listen closely to what they say. Do they talk about places from their memories like their old office or home? Do they talk about needing to “go home” or “go get something”?
These could be indicators that they’re feeling restless or anxious, which could cause them to wander or leave home.
Like any emergency, having a plan in place before it happens will increase your chances of finding your loved one.
- Make sure they have some form of ID on them like a medical bracelet or necklace. These should hold details like who they are, where they live, and a brief description of their medical history.
- Tell others around you about your loved one’s condition. Neighbors, local police, and friends nearby may be able to help search your loved one. Have a recent photo handy in case they’re missing for more than 24 hours, and keep track of what they wear day to day.
- Enroll them in the MedicAlert safe return program, which can create a customized missing persons report and share it with first responders.2
How we reviewed the best GPS trackers for people with dementia
We put a lot of thought into what makes the best GPS tracking device for someone with dementia. The main factors we landed on were comfort, battery life, and trackability. Plus, we knew it would be important to find devices that people with dementia couldn't easily remove.
We compared professionally-monitored and caregiver-monitored devices across more than 20 specs to find the best features and value.
Learn more about how we approach reviews like this one on our methodology page.
Related articles on SafeWise
Sources
- Dana Sparks, The Mayo Clinic, “Alzheimer’s: Understand Wandering and How to Address It,” November 2020. Accessed November 3, 2022.
- Natali Edmonds, Dementia Careblazers, “Know What To Do If Your Loved One Wanders Away,” April 2017. Accessed September 8, 2022.
Disclaimer
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. Safewise.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
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