GENERAL ENVIRONMENT
It is important to know where the device will be used the most. If the answer is everywhere then consideration needs to be given to the most important environment.
Where will a search likely take place (within a building, outdoors, in an urban or a rural area, in a tree covered or open space, near water)?
This is important to consider as GPS and Cell service is not totally reliable. For example, heavy trees or fog will affect GPS and cell is affected by power lines and dead zones.
Who will be doing the monitoring or locating: Family? Caregiver? Police? SARS?
Monitoring is either re-active or pro-active. Re-active allows the caregiver to carry on a more normal day to day life. Pro-active requires reqular checking on the location of the patient if it is not practical to set up a safe zone. Police and Search and Rescue are not caregivers and only will get involved if there are no other options.
Is the device discreet/invasive and be acceptable to the person wearing it?
There is no point in having a device if it is not worn by the patient or disliked because it is big and bulky.
PHYSICAL
Some bracelets can be locked on to the wrist and therefore never forgotten. Pendants can be cumbersome and irritating or left unworn, especially as the condition progresses.
Is the device Lockable onto wrist/ankle?
Important because the caregiver can trust and know the device is with the person.
Does the device have an adjustable bracelet or come in different sizes?
Important so that it is comfortable to wear and fits all sizes of wrists or ankles.
Is the device fully tamperproof and durable?
It is critical that the device cannot be smashed, or cut. It is important that the device be virtually indestructable
Is there a tamper alarm?
Attemps to remove the device need to send an alert to the caregiver.
Is the device thin above the wrist and balanced on the wrist?
Too high a profile above the wrist can make the device unattractive and difficult to cover with clothing if desired.
Is the device Waterproof (not just Water Resistant)?
The device should be waterproof and dust proof (IP68) and be wearable for showering, bathing or swimming and normal every-day living activities.
How is the device cleaned and disinfected?
Wiping and dipping in steralizer or disinfectant needs to be a quick, simple, easy task
Does the device come in an assortment of colors or can it be decorated with pictures or jewelry?
The wearer needs to want to wear it. It is so important that they love to wear it and that means color options as well as being capable of being decorated with jewelry, a photo or artwork on the face.
Does the device weigh less than 58 g (less than 2 oz)?
The lighter and non obtrusive the device can be will elevate the chances for success
TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES
A-GPS (assisted GPS) can provide indoor positioning information with greater accuracy and is usually faster than unassisted GPS.
Does the device have a web portal?
Important so that monitoring can be done from any computer with internet connection.
Does the device have a Smart Phone app?
Enables caregivers to manage a busy day and still be alerted to alarms.
Is there a Safety Zone with departure notification?
A safety Zone provides immediate departure notifications. A RF (VHF) Safety Zone requires much less battery usage than GPS/Cellular Geo-Fencing technology.
Is there 3 level tracking redundcy GPS,Cell, VHF?
VHF will work where there is poor Cell or GPS service
If VHF, is the VHF tracking PLI (Project Lifesaver International)compatible?
It is important that the Police and Search and Rescue have the ability to locate.
OTHER SAFETY TECHNOLOGY
Falls can happen to anyone at anytime. This is an important feature to consider.
Is it waterproof or just water resistant?
Waterproof is very important. Must be usable in a bath or shower. Devices backed by an international standard rating of IP68 are deemed fit enough to withstand dust, dirt and sand, and are resistant to submersion up to a maximum depth of 1.5m (4.8 ft.) underwater for up to 30 minutes
Will it provide an instant alert when a safe zone or building is exited?
Important because it is known that finding someone as quickly as possible increases the chances they will be found safe.
Is the device reliable in poor GSM or GPS areas?
Some manufacturers warn it is possible that the device will not work when cell or GPS signals are lost.
Are there Self Activating Automatic Alerts?
Automatic alerts mean that the caregiver is made aware of a problem instantly.
Are there high or low temperature alerts?
A person may be in danger when outside the home in very cold or very hot weather. Temperature alerts can be an important safety feature in some climates.
OTHER FEATURES
Applications that provide the ability to set safety zones can send alerts when the person leaves the zone, helping the family manage the person’s location from afar.
How many Caregivers can monitor on the system?
The more the better because being a caregiver is a 24/7 responsibility
Does the device use Geo-fencing?
GPS/Cellular Geo-Fencing systems are very battery intensive.
Does the device utilize Wi-Fi Technology?
Wi-FI technology requires the device to be near a modem and can be battery intensive.
Does the device utilize Bluetooth Technology?
Bluetooth technology requires a smart phone to be near the wearable device and can be battery intensive.
Is the device capable of receiving Firmware Over The Air (FOTA) updates?
Being able to upgrade the firmware via the cell network requires very little down time or having to ship the product away to get updates.
OPERATIONAL LIFE
The fewer the charges the better because over time continual recharging shortens battery life. Charging every couple of days becomes an issue for the caregiver.