For many families caring for someone living with dementia, one of the biggest worries is wandering – when a loved one becomes disoriented and unintentionally leaves their home or familiar surroundings.
Thankfully, modern technology is offering gentle, practical ways to improve safety without taking away independence. From GPS-enabled wristbands to smart home alert systems, these tools can bring families reassurance while still respecting the dignity of the person they care for.
How These Devices Work
• Wearable trackers:
Watches, pendants, and small clip-on devices use GPS to monitor a person’s location. Caregivers receive an alert if their loved one moves outside of a predetermined area.
• Geofencing systems:
These allow families to create “safe zones” around the home or neighbourhood. If someone crosses that boundary, a notification is automatically sent to a phone or monitoring service.
• Design matters:
The comfort, weight, and simplicity of a device can make a huge difference. People are far more likely to wear a device consistently if it feels natural and unobtrusive.
What to Consider When Choosing a Device
• Ease of use:
Both the wearer and the caregiver should find the device simple to manage day-to-day.
• Battery life:
A device must stay charged to work effectively, so consider products with long battery life or easy charging reminders.
• Privacy and consent:
Always discuss the purpose of the device with your loved one and ensure they understand, as far as possible, how it works and why it’s being used.
• Who responds to alerts:
Decide ahead of time who will receive notifications and what the plan should be if an alert is triggered.
• Value for money:
Compare costs, coverage, and subscription fees to find a solution that fits your budget and needs.
Support from Protea Memory Clinic
At Protea Memory Clinic, we understand the delicate balance between independence and safety. Our team can help families explore the risks associated with wandering, discuss the latest technology options, and put together safety plans that offer confidence and peace of mind.
Technology will never replace human care – but it can complement it. Used thoughtfully, these tools can provide reassurance and help families feel more supported and connected.
References
- Systematic Literature Review of Wandering Prevention Technologies for Dementia. Technology in Human Services, 2025.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/15228835.2025.2528781 - Wearable and Portable GPS Solutions for Monitoring Mobility in Dementia. MDPI Sensors, 2022.
https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/22/9/3336 - Implementing Global Positioning System Trackers for People with Dementia. SAGE Journals, 2024.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/14713012241248556 - Wandering in Dementia (WANDA): Systematic Review of Interventions and Ethical Implications. Dementia Map UK.
https://dementiamap.uk/projects/wandering-in-dementia-wanda-a-systematic-review-of-interventions-to-prevent-wandering-in-dementia-and-evaluation-of-the-ethical-implications-and-acceptability-of-their-use/