Opposite of GPS? A 'Don't Forget Me' Exist or possible?

Hi all, another strange one from me,

I thought of a fixit for one of my common problems.  I walk with a cane when I go out.  Had a spinal problem that would let me fall over like a dead tree at any time.  This was fixed, but I still use the cane. Gets me a front seat on the bus…

Trouble is, I'm leaving them places, the supermarket most often.  In the cart, next to the bench, leaning up somewhere.  What I want to find (or maybe invent!) is a simple device to attach to the cane or any item.  This device will set off an alarm on a key fob or even via cell phone when I walk too far away from it!  The distance doesn't have to be adjustable, but probably should.  

There can be a lot of variables for a gizmo like this.  All I really need is something to attach to my cane that tells something in my pocket to scream bloody murder when I'm walking away from the cane, or anything else easily left behind.

Is there such an animal out there on the market, or, where would I go to have one designed?  I had better not be the only humanoid that does this all the time!

Thanks ~ Sam

There are quite a few different companies that do tracking devices, they normally work by connecting to your phone with Bluetooth, and if you lose the item you can track it down on a map. This is the most well known company (possibly the first):

https://www.thetileapp.com/en-us/

I seem to remember reading somewhere that on one of the apps you can set an alarm if the item goes out of range.

EDIT===

Had another quick search, this one does the alarm feature:

https://chipolo.net/en/blogs/out-of-range-alerts-a-new-chipolo-feature

Edited by Paperclip, 29 September 2021 - 09:52 AM.

Canes, often seen as an aid to walking when one leg is incapable of full support.  My wife had both knees replaced so a cane became a part of her.  After the surgeries she used for a limited time, only a week and then needed it to support the other before it got replaced too.  Both my father and wife used canes and the rule was that if you started leaving it places, forgetting where,  you apparently don't need it anymore.

mjd420nova, I like it!  There is a point to that, lots of people rely on canes and all kinds of devices and medications they no longer need.  I am like that myself, but I do have a few balance issues.  Need much more exercise, and some specific physical therapy.  It seems when I look straight up with my head back, I'm fine.  But if I shut my eyes...  There are some growing brain issues too, back to the neurologist.  I forget a lot!  You do have a very valid point!

Those are great sites, Paperclip!  I will scour them thoroughly, it sounds like something like that would do what I need.  I knew there were GPS systems for cell phones, but me and cell phones don't get along so hot.  I had been thinking of something like a pager!  Luddite at heart...  That is a good idea, and I applaud your 'search expertise'!

Thank you both ~ Sam

How about a nice cheap, simple, low tech (very) solution ?  A piece of string ?

Chris Cosgrove

Good one, Chris!  Ha!

Of course I'd forget to bring the string...