Access Care Planning uses a device’s location to record where carers are when they start and end a visit, helping to ensure transparency and accountability in your care delivery.
We capture location information for all login methods: manual entry, QR code, and NFC tag. The accuracy of this location data depends on several factors and the method your device uses to determine its position.
How a location is determined
When a carer taps the Start or End button for a visit, the app captures the device’s current GPS coordinates, longitude and latitude. The system then calculates the distance between the carer’s location and the client’s registered address, which is displayed on the Client Records Visit page.
⚠️Warning: The phone user can also alter the location call. This is called spoofing and can be done by using developer tools or third-party apps.
While some spoofing methods can be detected, not all are visible to the system.
The device uses the following methods to attempt to determine its location. These are in order of accuracy.
GPS
GPS (Global Positioning System) is the most accurate method.
Connects to multiple satellites.
Accurate typically within one meter.
Requires a clear view of the sky and GPS to be enabled.
WiFi or cell tower triangulation
If GPS in unavailable, the device uses nearby WiFi networks or mobile phone masts.
Accuracy varies.
WiFi - Generally within 20 to 50 meters.
Cell towers - Generally around 50 to 100 meters, depending on signal strength and number of towers.
IP address location
This is the least accurate, often within 10 to 100 kilometres.
Based on the location of the nearest internet-connected hardware, such as a server.
Can be unreliable and easily manipulated.
Improve location accuracy
To ensure you record the most accurate location, check these items.
Enable GPS on your device.
Connect to WiFi when possible.
Ensure mobile data is active if WiFi is unavailable.