A GPS tracker can give family members peace of mind about a loved one’s whereabouts — but it’s worth thinking through both the practical options and the conversation around using one.

Common Device Types

• Wearable GPS devices — a pendant, watch, or clip-on device dedicated to location tracking, often paired with an SOS button.
• Smartphone location sharing — using a phone’s built-in location-sharing feature with trusted family members, at no extra cost if a smartphone is already in use.
• Combined medical alert + GPS — some medical alert systems (see our medical alert guide) include GPS tracking as part of a cellular subscription.

Have the Conversation First

Introducing a GPS device works best as an open conversation rather than something done without the person’s knowledge — framing it around safety and peace of mind (for both sides) tends to go better than presenting it as surveillance.

Battery Life and Reliability

A tracker is only useful if it’s charged and worn. Look for devices with longer battery life and simple charging routines (like a charging dock) to reduce the chance it goes unused.

When Memory or Wandering Is a Concern

If wandering or getting lost has become a real, recurring concern, this is worth discussing directly with the person’s doctor — they can advise on the specific situation and may recommend a particular type of device or additional safety measures suited to it.

Next Steps

Start with the simplest option that fits the actual concern — smartphone location sharing is often enough, with a dedicated device as a next step if more is needed.