Geofencing is one of the most critical register-transfer level (RTL) tools that senior living communities have to keep residents safe. Depending on how a geofence is configured, it may prompt mobile push notifications, cause SMS messages or alerts, send targeted advertisements to social media, enable vehicle fleet tracking, turn off specific technologies, or provide location-based marketing data. A geofence is a location-based service whereby an application or other software uses GPS, RFID, Wi-Fi, or cellular data to cause a pre-programmed action when a mobile device or RFID tag enters or leaves a virtual boundary established around a geographic location known as the geofence. To take advantage of geofencing, an administrator or developer must first set a virtual perimeter around the specified area within the GPS- or RFID-enabled software.
RFIDs and GPS tracking to use geofencing allow for the precision positioning of a drone on maps. Companies can also use geofencing to track employees on the ground, automate timecards, and keep tabs on corporate properties. For example, a logistics company can use dynamic geofencing to track storms and swiftly moving aircraft, issuing alerts every time a pilot approaches a hazardous weather pattern.
Geofencing (geo-fencing) is configured to track driving and walking activities within secure locations, allowing top operators to see alerts when someone moves into or out of a particular zone with geofencing technology. In the health care or home health care setting, geofencing technology allows the caregivers to set up a pre-defined location to get alerts if a wearer wanders outside of that zone when carrying or wearing the device. The platform will enable caregivers to set a geofence, receive alerts when a wearer leaves a defined area, and provide the wearer’s location history.
These lifesaving locator devices are integrated with GPS tracking technology, which allows for the detection of dementia patients every time they wander out of their defined areas. GPS trackers are generally preferred over generic medical alarm devices, as they do not require a dementia patient to press an alarm button to be tracked or assisted.
Nearly every medical alarm company offers a GPS, but not all have Geofencing technology. KAREWatch™ MG Medical Alert System Smartwatch has this feature that reports on a senior’s whereabouts in real-time. KAREWatch™ MG for seniors can give peace of mind knowing that you can locate your loved one quickly should he wander away or get lost.
The most significant advantage of the KAREWatch™ MG Medical Alert System Smartwatch is that it allows seniors to continue living more independently while providing caregivers with the peace of mind that they can locate their older loved ones in case they go out of safe zones. KAREWatch™ now comes with a built-in SOS button allowing seniors to call 911 or reach a caregiver, effectively functioning as a medical alarm and GPS tracker all rolled into one. This smartwatch utilizes GPS, fall detection, and geofencing technologies to help locate seniors and get them assistance as soon as possible.
Features include a live map, an unknown location alarm, 24-hour monitoring, emergency alerts from a first responder, and a one-way voice tool allowing a caretaker to listen in on a user’s surroundings or talk with a loved one. There is a built-in GPS for tracking the routes of the senior loved ones, a safer solution for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s, given its additional security features and quality of life.
Cited Sources:
- https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/geofencing-smart-home-devices/
- https://sentrics.net/blog/how-does-geofencing-work/
- https://caringvillage.com/product-review/top-10-products-track-elderly-location/
- https://www.seniorlink.com/blog/the-50-best-gps-trackers-for-seniors
- https://www.esri.com/about/newsroom/publications/wherenext/nexttech-on-real-time-geofencing/
- https://www.getmaple.ca/blog/2020/09/25/how-technology-is-helping-seniors-gain-access-to-healthcare/
- https://family1st.io/best-trackers-for-the-elderly/
- https://www.cio.com/article/288810/geofencing-explained.html
- https://www.medicalalertbuyersguide.org/articles/the-best-gps-trackers-for-dementia-patients/
- https://www.aplaceformom.com/caregiver-resources/articles/gps-trackers
- https://propellant.media/what-is-geofencing/