GPS shoes that allow the tracking of Alzheimer's patients now available for purchase

Last year, Tecca reported on a new GPS-enabled shoe designed to help protect Alzheimer's and dementia patients. Designed by GTX Corp., the footwear contains a GPS tracking device that will allow a caregiver or legal guardian the ability to locate their loved one 24-hours a day — provided, of course, that the shoes are being worn.

The shoes are finally available for sale in four different styles — two with laces; two with velcro. As you might expect, the shoes are quite expensive — a pair will set you back $299.99. And that price doesn't take into account the fact that continued monitoring requires the payment of a monthly fee. The shoes will relay the wearer's location once every 30 minutes for $34.99 per month, or once every 10 minutes for $39.99 per month. The tracking plan can be customized to send you alerts when the wearer has left a preset geographical area (say, the grounds of a care facility), and in an emergency situation, the shoes are capable of relaying a location instantly.

A single charge of the shoes lasts for about two days; less with more frequent monitoring. The shoes can be programmed to send an email reminder when the battery is low and needs charging.

Because of the privacy concerns associated with the constant tracking of another human being, you will have to confirm that you have legal authority as a designated caregiver to monitor your loved one's movements. The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled on the legal limitations of GPS monitoring.

You can order the Aetrex GPS shoe by visiting the company's website. Note that the tracking service only works withing the continental U.S., and excludes Alaska and Hawaii. International service is expected soon, however.

(via All Things D)

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