Last reviewed October 2026. This guide is general information, not medical or care advice.
Build the response before the button
An emergency button is only one link in the chain. The response starts when someone answers, understands the situation, and knows what to do next. Test that chain before you rely on the button.
A location alert should feed into an agreed response, not create a stream of notifications with no owner. Decide who checks the alert and what they do next.
Write down the first contact, the backup contact, and the circumstances that should trigger an emergency call. Give a copy to the monitoring centre or nominated contacts and review it after any change in health or housing.
- Confirm who answers first and who answers if that person is unavailable.
- Check how the device connects at the exact address.
- Ask what happens when the wearer cannot speak.
- Test the escalation path, not only the device.
- Review access instructions and key-holder details.
A tracker is not a personal alarm
A GPS tracker reports a location. A personal alarm lets the wearer call a monitoring centre or family contact. Some devices combine both, but the functions solve different problems. A tracker can help you find someone who has walked away from home; an alarm can help someone who has fallen and cannot get up.
If the main concern is getting help after an emergency, start with a personal alarm. If the main concern is finding someone who may become disoriented, a tracker may be appropriate. Many families need a plan that includes both, plus a search procedure for the people involved.
A response-first approach treats the alarm as the start of a process, not the end of the purchase. The useful questions are who receives the alert, what information they have, and how they escalate when the first contact does not answer.
Consent, capacity, and dignity
Tracking a person without their knowledge can damage trust and may be inappropriate. Where someone has capacity, explain what the device does, who can see the location, and when it will be used. If memory or decision-making is changing, involve a clinician or care professional and follow local safeguarding guidance.
A tracker should be presented as a shared safety tool, not a surveillance device. Agree in advance who may check the location, how often, and what they should do with the information. Put the agreement in writing if several family members are involved.
When alerts go to family rather than a monitoring centre, the plan depends on availability. Agree on primary and backup responders, and make sure everyone knows what to do if the call arrives at an inconvenient moment. A written rota is more reliable than an assumption.
Battery life and coverage
A tracker is only useful while it has power and a signal. Check the realistic battery life with location updates enabled, not just the standby figure. Ask how long it takes to charge, whether the wearer can manage the charger, and what alert is sent when the battery is low.
Mobile coverage varies by network and by location. A tracker that works in a city centre may struggle in a rural area or inside a large building. Ask the provider which network the device uses and test it in the places the person visits.
The fastest device is not always the one with the most features. A single well-placed button with a clear response chain can outperform a complex system that nobody has tested. Focus on the path from alert to help.
- Check the battery life with live tracking switched on.
- Confirm the network and coverage at home and on regular routes.
- Ask whether the device sends a low-battery alert.
- Check whether location history is available and who can see it.
Geofences and alerts
Many trackers can send an alert when the wearer leaves a defined area, sometimes called a geofence. This can be useful for a person who walks to a regular shop or day centre, but it can also create false alerts if the boundary is too tight or the location is inaccurate.
Set the boundary with the person and test it before relying on it. Decide who receives the alert, what they should do first, and when to call the police or a local missing-person service. A geofence is a prompt to check, not a guarantee that someone is safe.
Test the alarm in the rooms where an emergency is most likely: the bathroom, the bedroom, the kitchen, and any stairs. Ask the responder what they heard and whether they could identify the location. That is the part of the system most likely to fail silently.
Questions to ask before buying
Ask whether the device is a tracker, an alarm, or both. Confirm the total monthly cost, the contract length, and what happens if the device is lost or damaged. Check the returns policy and whether the location data can be exported or deleted.
Ask how the provider handles a missing person situation. Do they contact emergency services, or does the family do that? What support do they offer if the tracker fails? A clear answer is more important than a long feature list.
- Does the device support two-way calling or only location tracking?
- Is the tracker waterproof and comfortable enough to wear every day?
- Who owns the location data, and how long is it retained?
- What happens if the wearer enters an area with no signal?
- Is there a plan for who searches and who calls emergency services?
Questions people ask
Can a GPS tracker replace a personal alarm?
No. A tracker shows location; it does not necessarily let the wearer call for help. Some devices combine both, but you should confirm the alarm function and the response plan separately.
Is it legal to track a person with dementia?
The legal and ethical position depends on the person's capacity, consent, and the arrangements in place. Seek advice from a clinician, social worker, or local safeguarding service before using a tracker without consent.
How accurate is GPS tracking?
Accuracy varies with the device, the environment, and the network. Urban buildings, rural areas, and indoor locations can reduce accuracy. Test the device in the places the person actually goes.
What should I do if the tracker shows someone is missing?
Follow your agreed plan: try to contact the person, check known places, and call the police or local missing-person service when appropriate. Do not wait for the tracker to be perfectly accurate before raising an alarm.
Sources and further reading
These sources were used to check the general guidance in this guide. They do not imply endorsement of any product.