Some caretakers of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s are starting to use tracking devices such as Apple AirTags to keep track of where they are. Seems like an excellent and harmless use of the technology. These devices were intended to track wallets and keys and small personal things like that, but if you’re responsible for someone elderly who likes to go for walks (and doesn’t always remember where they’re going or how to get home) or for someone younger with “early onset” of an affliction who still has the ability to drive these wireless devices make a lot of sense.
There’s an ethical dilemma in that perhaps these individuals wouldn’t WANT to be tracked. I get this concern but you also have to wonder how much independence they really have if they’re under such close watch anyway. Phones are already being used for this purpose although not everyone remembers to bring their phone with them when they leave the house, especially those with mental illness. I’ve also read about people using bracelets with tracking devices and even families who have installed a pet-fence type of device that triggers an alarm when someone under watch leaves the property.
Of course, we’re humans and we can’t just create something without unintended consequence. Now there are stories in the news of AirTags being usedfor nefarious activity, such as stalkers placing the small tracking devices into cars, backpacks, purses, inside soles of shoes, etc. I guess there’s always going to be people with bad intentions in the world. See my recent article about the “99% of gun owners who follow the law”.
In the long-run it’s a caretaker’s decision to do what’s best for the person they’re caring for, and wireless tracking devices might save a life some day.
Here’s a link to the complimentary version of the story at WSJ.com.