IoT-Based Solution for Enhanced Tracking of Individuals Living with Dementia

Varying types of dementia have been a confronting challenge in the development of tools that decrease the burden on families of patients and caregivers. The study, an IoT-based solution for enhanced tracking of individuals living with dementia, aims to assist the caregiver in tracking down the patients with dementia whenever he leaves the secure zone or if there is an emergency. The application uses the Global Positioning System (GPS) function to track the patient’s current location and generate a notification to the caregiver or family member when the patient is out of the secure zone. The system was developed using Adafruit FONA 808-Mini GSM + GPS Breakout Board, Adafruit Pro Trinket 5 V Board: Android Software Development Kit, Java, NodeJS, C/C++ Programming Language and Firebase for real-time database. The system’s performance was evaluated by thirty (30) respondents composed of caregivers, patients, and staff of a healthcare institution, college instructors, and I.T. professionals using the ISO 25010 Software Quality Metrics and obtained a descriptive rating of “Very Good”. The result indicated that the system was acceptable and supported by the evaluation results. The development of IoT, an enhanced tracking system, could aid dementia patients in assisting them to walk safely, live with ease, and provide security with the technology at hand.