You can see full details of the Safer Walking GPS Locator and buy it here.

Wandering, falls and not knowing where your loved one is are real issues when it comes to dementia. The Safer Walking GPS Locator helps to overcome these issues without being intrusive or having the feeling that you are being tracked.

For me, as a person living with dementia, I find it comforting to know that I can get assistance when I need it the most should I find myself in a difficult situation or lost. I don’t think about being tracked and my family don’t track me unless they need to or I push the SOS button. You can also set Zones that allow you to go to certain places without it notifying anyone, or it can notify, should you choose to, in the setting to allow the app to notify your loved ones of where you are. You set the boundaries in the settings.

The instructions are simple to follow, and the Safer Walking GPS Locator is easy to set up, as are the zones and settings. Saying that, I did have some technical problems with my set-up. But I’ll say this, the technical support I received was excellent, first-class service. For some technical reason, the Locator would not track my movements. I contacted Ravencourt Living, who are the suppliers of the product, and explained the problem. The issue was remotely corrected, and the Locator reset allowing it to function correctly. I received a number of emails afterwards to verify that the Locator was working correctly. So, from a service level; you are in good hands.

Each locating device has its own sim card and mobile number. The app is downloaded onto your loved one’s phone using the mobile number and identification number on the back of the device. I will stress again that the mobile number and identification number are unique to the Locator. No one else can track you unless they have the app, and you give them these numbers. Privacy is then in your hands.

The app is easy to use and the setting up of the notification settings are simple. The app shows the pin on a map and is accurate to about 2 meters. Your loved one can simply open the app and track where you are. Should I get into difficulties whilst alone I can push the SOS button on my device. This sends a message to your loved one’s phone. If you have ringtone volume on your phone it will be a loud ring that comes through. If it is on vibrate an SOS message appears on your phone. You can even have the app connect to your smart watch, and it will send the SOS call to your watch as well as your phone. 

Your loved one then phones the Locator through the app. It automatically connects to the Locator, and you can speak to me. Yes, speak to me through the Locator. I was surprised at how clear it was. There are volume buttons on the Locator. I could hear my wife very clearly. This is an excellent addition to the Locator. Whilst my loved one is tracking my precise location, they can reassure me as well. Staying on the line until they get to me. If needed the emergency services can be called and sent to my precise location.

The Locator is small, light, and manageable. It can fit in your pocket, attached to your keys, or around your neck (it comes with a strap that can around your neck), I appreciate that the SOS button is in a contrasting colour to the device. The Locator needs to be charged, but it lasted about 6 days if not used much on a single charge. I suggest charging it at night and leaving it in the charging station until you need it. That way it is always charged for when you need it most. The Safer Walking GPS Locator notifies you when it needs charging, and it notifies you when it is charging.

Now I have tried a few Locators, and I can honestly say this is one of the better ones. One of the more accurate ones and the addition of being able to speak through the Locator is excellent. I have tried some free apps that you can get. I found them to be inaccurate and intermittent. I have yet to find a free one that works the way I want it to.
Others on the market can be rather expensive in cost. You can have an initial cost and a monthly cost of around £20 to £30.

The Safer Walking GPS Locator has an initial cost of £149.99 and a monthly cost of £12.99. This is a much cheaper monthly cost. The monthly cost covers the connection to the mobile network and the maintenance of the app, which I think is reasonable for my peace of mind.

As brilliant and as accurate as the Safer Walking GPS Locator is, there is a problem you will have to overcome. Dementia being dementia means that when I go out, I sometimes forget my wallet, my keys, my phone and would do the same with the Locator. This means you would have to do your best to ensure that the Locator is on me when I leave my home. I have heard about people putting the charger next to the key area so it can be charged whilst attached to the keys. Others have put a check list on the inside of the door to remind them of what they need before leaving. 

I must admit this is a bit of a problem for the Safer Walking GPS Locator because no matter how good it is, if I don’t have it on me, it won’t work for me or my loved ones. This is a problem that has been fed back to Ravencourt and they are working hard to fix this problem – perhaps a wrist band that can be worn at all times.

If you can overcome the problem mentioned above, it is an excellent Locator and one I will certainly recommend 

Product rating (out of 5 stars)

4 out of 5! 

I toyed with the rating a lot. The rating does not really reflect the ability of the Safer Walking GPS Locator. The Locator is 5 out 5. Accurate, clear, easy to set up and easy to use. Service provided should you have a glitch is 5 out of 5. I cannot fault the Locator itself.

BUT we are talking about someone with dementia. Like any product I need to take with me, it is only useful if I remember to take it with me when I leave the home. I feel this is a big enough problem to warrant the 4-star rating. Despite the 4-star rating, I recommend the Safer Walking GPS Locator!!

About the author

Michael Booth
Michael is a former carer for his mom who lived with young onset Alzheimer’s disease for nine years and now himself lives with young onset Alzheimer’s disease. This gives him a view from both sides, a unique position. Michael is a Research Network volunteer and a member of the Innovations Board for the Alzheimer’s Society. Michael is also a member of the Geller Commission Advisory Board for people living with dementia; Experts by Experience Group for dementia; Brains for Dementia Advisory Board for Alzheimer’s Research UK; Young Dementia Network steering group member; Member of the NHS patient and Carer group (Dementia Advisor). Michael is a former Project and Technical Manager for a global electrical and electronic cable designer and manufacturer.

Michael tests a range of products sold on Alzheimer's Society's shop, as well as new products we are considering, providing a hands-on, honest assessment from someone living with dementia. We also share this feedback with the product suppliers and manufacturers to suggest improvements.

Author of the book: Dementia, you are not alone!