What does it do?
- It's a device which can show your position on a map when you're outdoors
- It has an SOS button you can press to contact someone in an emergency
- People you trust can view your position from their phones or computer to help make sure you're safe
- You can choose to set alerts when particular areas are entered or left (sometime called geofences)
What’s the problem?
- You want to be able to be out and about, but sometimes need a bit of help to find your way
- Your family are worried that you might get lost and you want to reassure them
- You want an easy way to let someone know where you are in an emergency
Manufacturer: GPS Trackershop
Approximate cost: £75
What to search for to buy online: propod gps
More information about Safer Walking
There are lots of GPS devices on the market. Its important to check that the one you choose has features that are important to you, and that the means of viewing your position on the map is easy for you to use. You should also check on what the customer support arrangements are before you make your choice.
Alzheimer Scotland and their partners have created a suite of materials to help you stay safe when you're out and about. They include guidance on what features to look for, and how to talk about consent for using devices like these.
You should consider setting up a Purple Alert profile and asking your friends, family and the local community to download the app too.
Reviews
What I liked
Attached to mum's walking frame so she didn't leave home without it
Used the geofence feature so we just got a notification when she left home and arrived at her destination, and vice versa. That was enough to give us peace of mind.
Daughter living further away felt more involved and up to date with how mum was doing
What I disliked
Battery took a little bit longer to charge than first thought
What is interesting
Speed was interesting. We could see if Mum was walking, or on the bus.
What I thought about it overall
It's given us so much peace of mind to know that Mum is safe, without restricting her usual routine in any way. We bought one so that when the trial finished we could just swap them over and we all knew how to use it.
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What I liked
Carry case makes it easy to attached to a belt or can be put in your pocket.
The control panel and map were easy to log in to and see what was happening from my phone or tablet.
The family found it very reassuring when B was out for a walk that they could find him if he needed help.
What I disliked
Sometimes pouch fell off belt when going to the loo, so we pinned it on.
What I thought about it overall
We decided to get one after the test.
Our grandchildren joined in with having the app on their phones, so it made it something that we could talk about easily at home.
Customer service is very good. We called them a few times for help with settings and they were very helpful.
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What I liked
It fitted into a small pouch on my husbands belt and looked like a pager - he used to be a Policeman so this was helpful and was familiar to him.
The map platform was easy to use to see where he was - I could check it on my iPad or laptop and so could my son and daughter.
It had a speed gauge so I knew if he had gotten onto a bus or in a taxi.
The SOS button was there so he could press it if he needed me.
I found it easy to use and gave us the piece of mind when he was out and about walking with the dog which was important to us as he saw his usual fellow dog walkers and it gave me time to myself.