Using an AirTag for tracking elderly family member with Dementia

[dogegg]

My Nan suffers from Dementia and frequently leaves the home alone. We have a specific Vodafone tracker to find her but as this is a cellular device, it requires regular charging (every 3/4 days). As a back-up I was going to suggest to the family to use one of my AirTags as the battery lasts for such a long time. So in the case that the Vodafone tracker has run out of battery, we would still have a mechanism to find her.

The issue I think we will have is that the privacy safety features built in, i.e. beeping after being separated from linked iPhone is going to prevent this. The family share the load of checking in on her so no single person would see her frequently enough to prevent this. She also doesn't want a mobile device of her own.

So on this basis, it looks like this use case is going to be a no-go. Am I right or does anyone have any suggestions on how this could work?

 

[fischersd]

I think you're stuck until Apple adds Family sharing to AirTags. The only alternative I see for you immediately is to remove the speaker from the AirTag, so it doesn't start chirping.

Yes - I know a lot of us were hoping that Apple would have made some announcements at WWDC for Family sharing with AirTags. Hopefully we get it anyways as part of a .x release.

 

[velocityg4]

Get a GPS tracker meant for tracking people with a built in key ring. Place ones on all her key rings. That's likely the best option for something she might actually take with her.

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There's also trackers for her car. You can also get devices like Ring camera and door open alerts. So, you get an alert when she goes outside. Then you can check the cameras to see if she left or just went outside and came back in.

I won't even bother mentioning smart watches. Since with dementia. She may not charge it, ever.

 

[RobGwy]

You could buy a AirTag wristband like this (depending on the size of her wrist) but you would need to leave an iPhone at her normal residence. Not sure if that would work for you but could be an option.

Of course you could treat her to an iPad and link the AirTag to that but you would need to make sure you had access to the device if she went missing.

 

[matrix07]

Have a feeling Apple Watch would be more suitable for this case. There’s a mode that let someone use an Apple Watch without an iPhone. The problem will be charging of course. If that family member has no problem taking it off for charging every night it could be an ideal solution.

 

[OBirder]

You could use it potentially as follows:
- Create a new AppleID for the elderly
- Place an old/cheapest iPhone which has to current iOS on a charger at the elderly regular home (the person doesn't have to use it or carry it and it can be muted - doesn't need cellular if WiFi is available)
- You could use multiple AirTags on different items the person typically is having with them (a new necklace
- Anyone with a Mac could create a second account with the elderly AppleID - or use a second/older dedicated iPhone/iPad with the AppleID

Connected regular to the home base phone should avoid beeping. If the person is not coming home, the beeping after xx hours might be wanted. As long one person in the family has access to a Mac or a second phone, you could call them to check in case the GPS tracker run out of battery.

 

[iSayuSay]

I think you're stuck until Apple adds Family sharing to AirTags. The only alternative I see for you immediately is to remove the speaker from the AirTag, so it doesn't start chirping.

Yes - I know a lot of us were hoping that Apple would have made some announcements at WWDC for Family sharing with AirTags. Hopefully we get it anyways as part of a .x release.

At some point, Family Sharing will have to be implemented. There’s just too many occassions where family need to use common items. Car keys being used by the spouse, or luggage with your Airtag attached being carried away on family holiday by the kids for hours, or days.

Constant chirping and notifications would be very, very annoying.

 

[iHorseHead]

Get a GPS tracker meant for tracking people with a built in key ring. Place ones on all her key rings. That's likely the best option for something she might actually take with her.

Best GPS Tracker for Seniors - Elderly Tracking Device

Discover the top-rated GPS trackers for seniors - reliable tracking devices for the elderly designed for peace of mind & safety. Explore the best options now!

www.caringvillage.com

There's also trackers for her car. You can also get devices like Ring camera and door open alerts. So, you get an alert when she goes outside. Then you can check the cameras to see if she left or just went outside and came back in.

I won't even bother mentioning smart watches. Since with dementia. She may not charge it, ever.

This! I wouldnt use AirTags etc. There are specific devices for that.

 

[Berries-A-Million]

My Nan suffers from Dementia and frequently leaves the home alone. We have a specific Vodafone tracker to find her but as this is a cellular device, it requires regular charging (every 3/4 days). As a back-up I was going to suggest to the family to use one of my AirTags as the battery lasts for such a long time. So in the case that the Vodafone tracker has run out of battery, we would still have a mechanism to find her.

The issue I think we will have is that the privacy safety features built in, i.e. beeping after being separated from linked iPhone is going to prevent this. The family share the load of checking in on her so no single person would see her frequently enough to prevent this. She also doesn't want a mobile device of her own.

So on this basis, it looks like this use case is going to be a no-go. Am I right or does anyone have any suggestions on how this could work?

We use this to track my father that has Dementia. It has come in handy several times and only costs around $12 a month.

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