Door / Access
Location (GPS) devices
I want information about...
- precautions in an emergency
- staying safe in the community
- getting help
What can it be used for?
Location devices or apps work by using GPS or Bluetooth connection with other similar devices or mobile phone networks to help find the location of an object or a person carrying that object.
A location device might be a small gadget like a watch, pendant, keyring, or even a shoe insole. Location trackers are now built into some devices that are used everyday for example mobile phones and modern cars often have built in location tracking.
A location app is software you can install on a smartphone or tablet which will use the phone functions for tracking.
Devices vary in how they track the object or person, some track constantly while others will only give a location when they are activated, this is sometimes referred to as 'pinging' the device.
Devices might have other functions for example those that are designed for location finding of a person will often have a button that the person can press in an emergency which will then contact a nominated person or a monitoring centre. Some devices have a fall or crash detector built in that will automatically send location to a person or group of people if these events are detected.
Devices will sometimes have a function called geofencing this is where a specific geographical area is identified and if the device goes outside of this area it will send an alert.
- Some example uses would be:
If someone regularly loses their wallet a location device kept in the wallet linked to an app on a mobile phone could be used to help to find it. - If someone is at risk of getting lost but is safe if they stay in their own village, geofencing could be used to alert a family member or friend if they leave the village and can then help them to locate the person
- If a person falls and presses a button for help but cannot tell the responder where they are the location device can tell the responder where to send help to.
Search 'GPS devices for adults', 'GPS devices with falls detection' or 'GPS location apps' on the internet. Some sports shops sell GPS devices as these can be useful for people who do sports that include going out on their own, such as running.
Benefits
- Increased independence: Location devices can help family or friends to locate a person if they don’t return at the expected time when they are at risk of getting lost. This can enable the person who will use it to continue to go out on their own with the added reassurance to themselves and to family or friends. These devices can help build confidence for the person using it when going out on their own particularly where there are risks and they might need to get help quickly. Some devices can be used to reduce the risk of losing certain items, like a purse/ keys or phones.
- Increased safety: Some devices have an SOS button and some can be linked to a monitoring centre for additional peace of mind. Some will be triggered to automatically contact someone if certain events such as a car crash or a fall occur or the person leaves a certain area. This can mean the person gets help even if they aren't able to call for it themselves.
Things to Consider
- Suitability: Think about what type of device will work best for how it needs to be used and choose one that has the most useful functions. Devices that use GPS can be more accurate but tend to need charging more often as the battery goes down quicker when GPS is being used. Devices that use a SIM card and rely on mobile signal do not work if there isn't any signal or give a less accurate location if the signal is poor. Devices that use Bluetooth will only show the location that they were last within range of another device with Bluetooth so will work better in places where there are more people. Does the person have a smartphone, is there an inbuilt app that could used or could one be downloaded or does the is a stand alone device needed? Do they need to have an SOS or emergency button or built in falls detection?
- Falls detection: Only falls where the person hits the floor with some force will be detected, slips or slow falls will not be detected. Could the person still press a button as a back up if required?
- Responder: Who will respond if the device sends an alert? How will they be alerted and will they be available? Is a monitoring centre needed.
- Ability to agree: If the device is going to be used to find out a persons location do they understand and have the ability to agree to this? If not a best interests decision might be needed. A device that only shows location when it is activated or pinged is less intrusive than one that follows all the person's movements and shows where they have been as well as where they are now. You can find out more about this at: 460-Mental-Capacity-Act-2005. If a person is being tracked all of the time or if the location information will be used to prevent them from going somewhere they want to go then this could be a deprivation of their liberty and may need authorisation from the Court of Protection. You can find out more about this at: deprivation_of_liberty_safeguards_dols.pdf
- Battery Life: Does the device need to be charged or the batteries changed, how often will this be needed. If the device needs charging regularly think about how this can be built into routine and whether the person who will use it can remember to do this or needs help with this? Who can provide this support if needed?
- Cost and value for money: GPS stand alone devices can be expensive. What are the benefits to this over an app on a smartphone or another kind of location device? Think about whether this is necessary, what the initial cost of the product and any ongoing subscription and monitoring centre service costs. What is customer service like and does it come with a warranty?
- Potential for misuse: Sometimes location tracking can be used by someone without the person knowing to monitor their movements. Think about who will have access to location information particularly where this could be used to find or follow a person. Ensure that any devices used are from reputable suppliers and read information about how data will be used.