Tracking Devices
When a loved one wanders or elopes, we want to know: What can be used to help find him? This is a sampling of the products available to help locate and identify your loved one. But no product can replace safety preparation measures. You can find more tracking devices at our online provider database and select the category Safety. Pathfinders or Autism does not endorse any products or services.
PFA Tips: Wandering and Elopement – Tracking Devices
Project Lifesaver
Project Lifesaver is administered through local agencies. Citizens enrolled in Project Lifesaver wear a small personal transmitter around the wrist or ankle that emits an individualized tracking signal. If an enrolled client goes missing, the caregiver notifies their local Project Lifesaver agency, and a trained emergency team responds to the wanderer’s area. See if Project Lifesaver is available in your area.
As you investigate personal GPS devices, you may want to consider the following questions, if relevant:
- Does the band have a locking mechanism? Can my loved one remove it easily?
- Can I test the product before purchasing it?
- Is it something my local first responders are familiar with?
- Does the accompanying app work with your phone?
- What is the typical battery life?
- Does the service offer Geo-fence capability?
- Does the product allow for real time mapping?
- What is the cost of not only the device, but the monthly service subscription?
Road ID App
The eCrumb feature of the App allows family/caregivers to track someone in real time, on a map. Road ID was developed for runners, but the tracking and ID products can meet the same needs for the autism/I/DD community.
Project Lifesaver’s PAL (Protect And Locate) Tracking System
Along with the digital watch/transmitter, PAL has a portable receiver which notifies the caregiver of a wandering event through the use of GPS technology. If the caregiver presses the “find” button on the portable receiver the PAL watch will determine the location of the individual. Band has locking feature.
Angel Sense
AngelSense is the only GPS and voice monitoring tracker created specifically for children with special needs and has proven to save lives of children that wandered. It’s attached to the child’s clothing with sensory friendly accessories and can’t be removed without help from a parent. With AngelSense you get a real time map view of all your child’s locations and routes; warning alerts if your child leaves a safe environment; automatic first responder alert in case of emergency and a listen-in feature. The parents’ monitoring app is available on iOS, Android and web.
Jiobit
Jiobit is a GPS monitoring tracker that gives real-time alerts about your loved one’s location no matter where they are or how far they are, allows you to customize geofencing alerts, and sends you an alert if your loved one walks too far away from you. Additional optional features include SOS Mode, an automated security system, with 911 emergency response, and and Alert Button so your loved one can call for help with the click of a button.
Care Trak
An alarm goes off when your loved one leaves the perimetered area. It also has a mobile locater tracking unit to find your child up to a mile away.
GPS SmartSole
GPS SmartSole® is a smartphone hidden and sealed in a trim-able shoe insole. It uses GPS and cellular technology, is charged about every day, and requires service plan. It automatically logs its location sending geozone alerts via email and text.
My Buddy Tag
My Buddy Tag® is waterproof and the app alerts you when the child wearing My Buddy Tag® wanders out of your proximity or has fallen into a pool or lake. Each Buddy Tag® comes with a wristband with a locking coin-screw to prevent easy removal.
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