Caring for a loved one with dementia brings constant concern, especially around wandering, getting lost, or forgetting daily routines. In Canada, more than 500,000 people are living with dementia, a number expected to double by 2030. As families seek ways to support independence while ensuring safety, Apple’s ecosystem of products is quietly becoming a trusted tool in the caregiving toolkit.
From AirTags to Apple Watch, here’s how families are using Apple technology to stay connected, monitor location, and bring peace of mind to their caregiving journey.
Find My App: Know Where They Are
What it does: The Find My app allows you to track a person’s location in real time using their Apple device (iPhone, Apple Watch, or iPad).
How it’s used for caregiving:
- Share Location Access: Caregivers can monitor a loved one’s location at any time, ideal for those still living semi-independently.
- Set Geofencing Alerts: Be notified if someone leaves or arrives at specific locations, like home or a care facility.
How to set it up:
- Attach to a keychain or mobility aid, or slip it into a coat pocket.
- Link it to your Apple ID via Find My.
Watch video tutorial (1:23 mins)
Apple Watch: More Than a Step Counter
The Apple Watch is one of the most powerful tools for caregivers:
How it’s used for caregiving:
- Real-Time Location Sharing: Through the Find People feature, caregivers can view a loved one’s exact location on a map.
- Fall Detection and Emergency SOS: If the wearer falls and doesn’t respond, the watch automatically contacts emergency services and shares their location.
- Health Reminders: Set gentle alerts for medication times, hydration, or movement.
Emergency SOS:
Hold down the side button, and the watch will call emergency services and send your location to your emergency contacts.
Health and Fall Detection:
Automatically alerts caregivers if the wearer has a hard fall or irregular heart rhythm. Fall detection is on by default for users 55+.
How to set it up:
Watch video tutorial (2:07 mins)
Use Case: Jim tripped while gardening. His Apple Watch alerted his daughter and called 911.
AirTag: Smart Tracking Without a Screen
Apple AirTags are small Bluetooth trackers that use the vast Find My network—powered by nearly a billion Apple devices—to help locate a missing item (or person) quickly and accurately.
How it’s used for caregiving:
- In shoes or insoles: Tuck an AirTag into a shoe or attach it to the tongue of a sneaker. This discreet method ensures it stays with your loved one wherever they go.
- In jackets or bags: Sew into a coat pocket or attach to a daily-use bag—ideal for those who go on familiar daily walks.
- On a keychain or necklace: AirTags are lightweight and unobtrusive, so they can be placed on a necklace, lanyard, or belt loop for easy access.
How to use:
- Attach to a keychain, mobility aid, or slip it into a coat pocket.
- Link it to your Apple ID via Find My.
How to Set Up AirTag & Use Find My App:
Watch video tutorial (2:24 mins)
HomePod + Siri: Easy Voice Commands
What it is: A smart speaker with voice assistant capabilities.
How it’s used for caregiving:
- Set Reminders: Use Siri to remind your loved one to take medication, eat meals, or call family.
- Two-Way Communication: Use the intercom feature to send voice messages or check in, which is excellent for those who may struggle with phones.
Loved ones who find smartphones too complex often appreciate the simplicity of Siri. With a HomePod Mini, they can:
“Hey Siri, call my daughter.”
“Hey Siri, what’s my schedule today?”
“Hey Siri, where’s my iPhone?”
How to use Siri and HomePod:
Watch video tutorial (2:13 mins)
Medical ID: Lifesaving Info at a Glance
Apple’s Health app lets users set up a Medical ID that emergency responders can access without a passcode.
How it’s used for caregiving:
- Add medications, allergies, and emergency contacts
- Open Health app > Medical ID > Edit
How to set up Medical ID:
Watch video tutorial (2:06 mins)
Final Thoughts
Caring for a loved one with dementia brings constant concern, especially around wandering, getting lost, or forgetting daily routines. As families seek ways to support independence while ensuring safety, Apple’s ecosystem of products is quietly becoming a trusted tool in the caregiving toolkit.
