Shoes that have a built-in GPS tracking system inside the heels are coming soon to a store near you. The GPS tracking shoes were created for Alzheimer’s patients who are at risk of wandering off.
Because the GPS tracking system inside the shoes is inconspicuous, they don’t make the patient feel inadequate. Other GPS tracking devices such as bracelets, necklaces or anklets are often rejected by Seniors “because paranoia is a manifestation of the disease,” according to Project adviser Andrew Carle of George Mason University’s College of Health and Human Services. “If you put something on someone with Alzheimer’s that they don’t recognize, they remove it. If it’s a wristwatch and it’s not their wristwatch, they will take it off. So you have to hide it.”
Several studies have shown that 60% of all patients with Alzheimer’s will become lost at least once. Even more shocking is that nearly 50% of them can die from dehydration, exposure or injury if they aren’t found within the first 24 hours.
Many families have reported that using a GPS tracking system gives them peace of mind because they know their loved ones are safe and sound.
Currently sold in Europe, the new GPS tracking shoes will be arriving in US stores next month from GTX. The first 3,000 pairs will be shipped to Aetrex Worldwide footwear. The GPS tracking shoes are fairly expensive at $300, and buyers will need to set up a tracking service, but that’s not too much to pay for peace of mind knowing your Mom, Dad, or other loved ones suffering from Alzheimer’s will be safe and sound.