Exploring the Use of Real-time Location Systems (RTLS) in the Care of People Living With Dementia
Despite growing interest in using location tracking technologies to improve quality and efficiency of dementia care, research on their implementation and use in long-term care homes is scarce.
In this qualitative study we explored the experiences of residents, care partners, direct care staff, managers, and administrators at one home that implemented a commercially available RTLS.
Our findings demonstrate socio-technical and ethical complexities of implementing surveillance technologies like RTLS in long-term care. These must be addressed in future implementations to ensure that these technologies do not compromise the dignity and rights of residents and staff.
Published Resources
Grigorovich, A., Harvey, K., Levy, AM., Haslam-Larmer, L., Shum, L. C., Iaboni, A., McMurray, J. (2025). Real-time location system implementation in dementia care: Stakeholder perspectives, The Gerontologist, Volume 65, Issue 12, gnaf244, https://doi.org/10.1093/geront/gnaf244
Liougas, M., Grigorovich, A., Bianchi, A., Haslam-Larmer, L., Shum, L., Iaboni, A., McMurray, J. (2026). Ethical tensions in the use of Real-Time Location Systems in dementia care: Balancing safety, privacy, and autonomy. AJOB. https://doi.org/10.1080/15265161.2026.2637089