Chapter 1: Understanding the Challenge

My father-in-law, Alan, is living with dementia, which often leads him to unlock doors and leave the house without warning. One Saturday evening, we realized that Alan was missing. He had left around 5:30 PM, heading south towards the lake in west Toronto.

For those who care for individuals with dementia, this scenario can be one of the most distressing. A person with dementia lacks awareness of their surroundings or the reasons for leaving home. They may wander aimlessly until they receive assistance or find themselves in dangerous situations.

While I’m not the primary caregiver, I share a home with Alan, my wife, mother-in-law, and son. My mother-in-law, at 72, shoulders most of the caregiving responsibilities, and she does a remarkable job, though monitoring someone constantly is a daunting task. My modest contribution was recommending the use of an Apple AirTag to track Alan’s whereabouts.

With the assistance of the local police and this one device, we managed to locate Alan within two hours of his disappearance. A neighbor informed us that he was last seen heading south towards the lake, but we found him several blocks north of our home, having reversed direction at some point. Without the AirTag, we might have spent the night searching in the wrong place, which is a terrifying thought.

Chapter 2: The Benefits of AirTags in Crisis Situations

One of the police officers commended the use of the AirTag, noting that such cases typically take much longer to resolve and can often end tragically. I recalled a friend’s uncle, who also had dementia and was tragically found drowned after going missing.

It’s important to note that Apple does not officially endorse AirTags for tracking people, as there have been many incidents of misuse, such as stalking or theft. However, they can effectively track individuals with dementia in populated areas where iPhones are commonly used.

To keep the AirTag secure, we purchased a wristband designed for it, which has proven to be both practical and effective.

While Apple AirTags are a viable tracking solution, they are not the only option available. Below are a couple of alternatives that cater specifically to the needs of Alzheimer’s patients and others who may wander:

Regardless of whether you choose AirTags or another tracking service, I believe that having a method to monitor loved ones with Alzheimer’s, dementia, or similar conditions is essential. Although some options can be pricey, the affordability of an AirTag offers peace of mind.

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Chapter 3: A Cautionary Tale

The video titled "Father Sends Warning on Tracking Device after Someone Put AirTag in Son's Back Pocket" serves as a cautionary reminder of the potential misuse of tracking devices. It underscores the importance of using technology responsibly while emphasizing the need for safety and awareness in our communities.