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The Global Medical Alert System Market will grow to USD 10.1 Bn by 2025. Some key drivers of this growth are the aging population, AI and IoT technological advancements in medical alert systems, and an increasing inclination of the elderly to independent living.
Digital technology has made our lives easier in so many ways. If you are worried about the safety of an elderly loved one, you can buy life-saving geolocation tools or settle for a dedicated GPS tracker, remote monitor, panic button device, or personal safety app.
This article discusses the pros and cons of different geolocation tools and critical things to consider before investing in one.
The Pros and Cons of Geolocation Tools for Seniors
Today, companies rely on geolocation technologies more than ever. From check-in services to location-based apps, companies use geolocation technologies to provide better experiences to their users.
IP geolocation tools applications don’t end there. If your loved ones suffer from health conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s, these tools can help identify their location 24/7 with pinpoint accuracy.
But like all great things, technology can also be a double-edged sword. Here are the pros and cons of IP geolocation tools:
Pros:
- Staying in touch. The geolocation lookup tool helps you find the geographical location of the user’s device. The user and the caregiver can live independently but remain connected in emergencies.
- Peace of mind. You can go on with your daily activities while the system checks on your loved ones to see what they’re up to.
- Saved lives. A geolocation tool can provide detailed reports on the location of your senior loved ones. This data helps save lives in emergencies such as panic attacks, heart attacks, kidnappings, accidents, etc.
- Improved wellbeing of users. Seniors get more freedom to go on with their activities while someone keeps a distant eye on them.
Cons:
- Less personal connection. Decreased physical interaction since meetings with loved ones become rarer. You no longer have to stop by their house every afternoon to see how they’re doing. The geolocation lookup tool takes care of that.
- Inaccuracies. Due to human error and technical failures, the geolocation tool may not always be accurate. There is a chance that some of the information you get will not be correct if the GPS feature doesn’t work correctly in the region.
- Privacy concerns. GPS devices or apps will monitor, track, and share personal data regarding users’ movements.
- Price. Some geolocation lookup tool brands do not deliver on their promises and cost too much.
Technology Concerns in Home Care
Should we entrust all of our safety and our loved ones into the hands of technology? Finding reliable and trustworthy geolocation services can be difficult. Fortunately, many companies offer free trials, which allow you to test these tools before purchasing them.
Before considering any technology in-home care, check how it deals with these concerns:
- Limited physical interaction between you and your loved ones
- Late response in emergencies
- Privacy concerns
- Lack of emotional contact and weakened personal relationships
Once you answer these questions, it’s time to compare different care technologies.
Wearable Technology vs. Personal Safety Mobile Apps
Companies have developed various wearable technologies to keep us safe in a fashionable manner. You’ll find wearable wristwatches, bracelets, necklaces, and devices to fit a waist pocket.
These items can easily and conveniently track the location of your loved ones and provide them with a panic button for emergencies. On the flip side, the device is one more thing your loved ones have to remember to carry around, which they could easily forget to do.
That’s where personal safety apps and Android geolocation tools with a panic button come in.
Personal safety apps like AllsWell Alert also have inactivity monitoring for emergencies that don’t allow the user to tap the panic button.
Let’s summarize the pros and cons of wearable tech and personal safety apps to help you make an informed decision.
Wearable Technology
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight, easy to carry around | Could easily be left behind by accident |
| Easy to use with a big panic button for emergencies | Can get lost and thus provide misleading location information |
| Connects to personal emergency contacts or emergency alert systems like 911 | Needs recharging and is unreliable for low power areas |
| Uses GSM technology. No need for an active Internet connection | Not always aesthetically appealing, especially for fashion-sensitive users |
| Some fashionable options exist in the form of watches, bracelets, etc | Limited to a panic button. Unfortunately, not all emergencies allow users to hit the panic button in time |
Personal safety app
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight, easy to carry around | Could easily be left behind by accident |
| Easy to use with a big panic button for emergencies | Can get lost and thus provide misleading location information |
| Connects to personal emergency contacts or emergency alert systems like 911 | Needs recharging and is unreliable for low power areas |
| Uses GSM technology. No need for an active Internet connection | Not always aesthetically appealing, especially for fashion-sensitive users |
| Some fashionable options exist in the form of watches, bracelets, etc | Limited to a panic button. Unfortunately, not all emergencies allow users to hit the panic button in time |
A Few Things to Consider Purchasing a Geolocation Tool or App
Before you purchase the best IP geolocation tool to help keep your loved ones safe, here are a few things to consider:
Look for Must-have Features
Every personal safety app or wearable must have certain core features, including:
- A panic button
- Emergency alert system/messaging
- GPS tracking/monitoring
An app or wearable with these three main features is a good choice.
No Hidden Fees
You don’t want to go for a solution with unexpected expenses hidden from you. So make sure that there are no hidden fees that you or your loved one will have to pay. The pricing should also be reasonable.
Ease-of-Use
Seniors have a hard time navigating through complex technologies. That’s the last thing you’d want them to do in times of an emergency. Choose a device or app that’s easy to set up, use, and update for you and your loved one.
Consent From Your Elderly Loved Ones
You shouldn’t get your elderly loved ones a geolocation tool if they are against it. Talk to them first and find out if they’ll be willing to use the technology.
Mind the Needs of the End-User
What do your loved ones expect from a personal safety device? It’s essential to consider their needs first. If they live with a severe condition, your preferred Android geolocation tools or wearables should be able to provide very accurate information about their location in real-time.
