GPS dementia care technology launched

Australian remote assistive technology company mCareWatch has launched a trackable shoe insert designed for people prone to wandering as well a new version of its flagship product, the SOS Mobile Watch.

The GPS SmartSole, a shoe insert developed by GTX Corp in the United States, contains a tracking chip that sends a signal to a central monitoring website or mobile app via a mobile network showing the wearer’s location.

Being able to be slipped easily into a shoe, the design aims to reduce the risk of a person with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia removing the technology.

Carers can see the location of the wearer via a monitoring dashboard. When the wearer wanders off, exits a pre-set geo-fence or becomes lost, the technology can send an alert to carers by text message or email with a link to a map showing the wearer’s location.

The GPS Smart Sole, which is available in trim-to-fit sizes for men and women, costs $499 plus an activation fee and ongoing service plan.

mCareWatch has also recently launched the third generation SOS Mobile Watch (right) with updated technology and features including:

• mobile phone capability
• SOS emergency alarm button
• non-movement alert
• pedometer
• carer’s dashboard
• geo-fence tracking

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