Most people have heard of AirTags by now. Small, smart devices that make it easy to find lost keys and bags.
But when it comes to people, especially people with dementia, it is important to understand the difference.
Because even though both GPS devices and AirTags can show where something is located, their purpose, technology, and level of safety are very different.
And in dementia care, those differences can be crucial.
AirTags are designed for objects, not people
AirTags are consumer products developed to help us keep track of everyday items. They work via Bluetooth and Apple’s Find My network, which connects the AirTag to nearby iPhones.
This means that the AirTag cannot send its location on its own. It depends on other iPhone users passing nearby.
For people with dementia, this creates a significant limitation.
If a person leaves an area with many iPhones, for example a residential area, a park, or a rural area, the tracking capability stops. The position will only show where the AirTag was last detected, not where the person is now.
This makes AirTags unsuitable for creating safety in situations where every minute counts.
GPS solutions are designed for people
GPS devices like those from Stella Care are built with a completely different purpose: to protect people.
They use satellite and mobile networks to send real-time location data, independent of who happens to be nearby.
This means that care staff and relatives can always see where a person is and act quickly if something happens.
With geofence features, safe zones can be created that trigger alarms if a person moves outside them. And with built-in calling functions, it is possible to contact the person directly through the system.
In other words, consideration has been given to the technology, everyday use, and the person behind it.
Safety, dignity, and peace of mind in everyday life
When working with people with dementia, technology is not only about precision.
It is about dignity, independence, and the reassurance that comes from knowing help is close at hand.
GPS solutions make it possible for individuals to maintain their freedom while allowing care staff and relatives to respond quickly when needed.
This is the difference between finding an object and protecting a person.
Many municipalities find that GPS solutions not only increase safety but also reduce stress and worry for both staff and families.
Knowing that the technology works, even when the person is out of sight, creates peace of mind.
AirTags can be a supplement, but not a safety solution
In some cases, we see relatives using AirTags as a temporary solution because it seems easy and affordable.
However, it is important to understand that AirTags are not a safety technology. They are not designed to handle emergencies, and they do not offer alarm functions, support, or monitoring like professional GPS solutions do.
For people with dementia, where wandering can unfortunately occur, reliability and response time are critical.
Here, GPS solutions like Stella Care can make the difference between a quick response and a critical search operation.