Special shoes with GPS help you keep track of loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer's

There have been lots of cases where folks with dementia or Alzheimer's have simply wandered off. Worried family members spend hours looking for them and they may not always know how to come back home. The Alzheimer's Association estimates that over 100 million people currently require oversight due to various forms of memory impairment. 60 of these people will become “lost” at least once. In these cases, what do you do? Well, this new piece of wearable technology might solve those problems. It will come in handy especially if you're a caregiver for someone with these diseases. As it is a tedious and often difficult process, the GPS SmartSole can make things just a little bit easier. This company has created shoe sole inserts with GPS in-built so you can keep track of your loved ones with memory impairment.

The SmartSole inserts come with a built-in tracking chip that works with the help of a cellular signal. This way, all a user needs to do is slip the soles into their shoes and rest easy knowing that their caregivers will always know where they are. The reason the soles work so well is that the wearable tech "capitalizes on procedural memory," as the website explains. Typically, even those with advanced memory problems remember to put on their shoes, which makes them more effective than other forms of GPS, such as a watch or jewelry.

This also makes GPS technology more covert, which can be really important for a user. The website reads, "This is wearable technology that not only provides peace of mind but can also save lives while preserving the privacy and dignity of the wearer." As other tracking devices, such as bracelets, are more visible, they arise concerns about privacy, dignity, and safety. These insoles are completely hidden and undetectable, which could make a user more comfortable about wearing them. Though the product is thicker than your typical insole, researchers found no indication that the SmartSole was uncomfortable by any means.

The insoles come in three different sizes, but can also be trimmed down to suit anyone's feet. The large can be trimmed to fit men's sizes 15 to 12, the medium women's size 14 to 10, and the small kid's size four to three. The company states that they created their SmartSoles specifically for young adults and teens with autism or other developmental disabilities, and seniors suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia. Truly, the sizes are inclusive to help anyone with advanced memory problems.

To track a user wearing the insoles, all a caregiver needs is a smartphone, computer, or tablet and a data plan for connectivity. You must subscribe to one of two of their tracking plans, similar to how you would subscribe to a phone plan. The device itself costs $299, while monthly service costs will vary depending on what plan you subscribe to. This may seem a little steep, but you can't really put a price on the safety of your loved ones. To purchase a set of GPS SmartSoles, you can visit their website here.