Dementia trackers and tips to avoid wandering, a practical guide for carers and families

Wandering affects approximately 60% of people with dementia at some point during their illness. GPS tracking technology is one of the most powerful tools available to carers and families, providing real-time location visibility and immediate alerts when a person leaves a safe area. Combined with practical environmental modifications and routine management, GPS tracking significantly reduces both the risk and consequences of wandering incidents.

GPS tracker tips for dementia wandering prevention

Set up geofencing boundaries around all safe areas including the home, care facility, and any other locations the person regularly visits safely. Set the alert trigger for boundary crossing rather than a specific destination, as wandering rarely follows predictable routes. Ensure the alert recipient’s phone notifications are enabled at all times, including overnight when wandering risk is often elevated.

Carry a backup contact list in the GPS device documentation. If the primary carer cannot respond immediately, a designated backup recipient should also receive alerts. The LockCar app supports multiple user accounts for a single tracked device.

Review the GPS tracker’s battery status or power connection regularly. A tracker that runs out of power during a wandering incident provides no protection. LockCar’s vehicle-mounted GPS systems draw from the vehicle’s own power supply with no battery maintenance required.

Environmental and routine modifications

Physical modifications to the home environment can reduce wandering risk alongside GPS tracking. Door alarms that alert when external doors are opened provide an immediate audible warning. Door handle covers that require a two-step action to open slow exit attempts and may provide enough time for a carer to intervene. Placing visual cues, such as a large image of the destination or a message explaining that it is night time, on exit doors has been shown to reduce exit attempts in some individuals.

Routine management can reduce wandering triggers. Ensuring adequate physical activity during daylight hours, maintaining regular meal and sleep schedules, and providing structured engaging activities during times of day when wandering is most likely can all reduce the frequency of wandering episodes. Discussing the person’s previous routines and interests with their care team helps identify times and triggers that are most associated with wandering attempts.

Combining GPS with other approaches

GPS tracking is most effective as part of a comprehensive wandering management strategy that also includes environmental modifications, routine management, and communication with the person’s GP and care team about medication timing and any underlying triggers for restlessness. The GPS provides the safety net if other measures are insufficient, ensuring that a wandering episode that does occur is detected and responded to as quickly as possible.

LockCar recommended products

Top recommendation

LockCar One Plus, £259

4G real-time GPS, geofencing, movement alerts

Real-time 4G GPS with immediate movement alerts. Geofencing creates virtual safe zones with instant notification when the boundary is crossed. Accessible from the LockCar app anywhere.