Limitations of GPS tracking for wandering

Do not rely on a GPS tracker as your only safety measure. If the device fails, you have no backup. Instead, build a plan that includes human check-ins, environmental modifications, and community notification.

Do not try to explain to your loved one that they are already home or that the place they are looking for no longer exists. This will only increase their confusion and may lead to an argument. Instead, validate their feeling of needing to go somewhere and redirect with a calming activity.

Do not use a walker or cane as a restraint or to slow them down. For a person with dementia, a walker can actually increase the risk of falling because it adds a cognitive load to an already compromised brain. If they need mobility support, use a simple walking stick or let them hold your arm.

Do not hide the GPS tracker in a place that might be uncomfortable or easily forgotten, like inside a shoe insole that can be removed when they change shoes. Instead, choose a device that is comfortable and matches their lifestyle, and have a backup plan for when they are not wearing it.

Do not assume that because your loved one has never wandered before, they never will. Wandering can happen at any stage of dementia, and the risk increases as the disease progresses. Always have a plan in place, even if you think it is not needed.

The 'Wandering Safety Folder'

Create a physical folder kept near your front door. Inside, include: a recent clear photo of your loved one, their height and weight, a list of medical conditions and medications, and the phone numbers of three people to call immediately (including your own). Also include a note that says 'This person has dementia and may not be able to ask for help. Please call [your number] if you see them alone.' Give a copy to your neighbors and local police.

The 'Redirect with Senses' Kit

Put together a small basket or box with items that engage the senses and provide comfort. Examples: a lavender-scented hand lotion, a small speaker with a playlist of songs from their young adult years (ages 14-22), a soft blanket, a photo album of familiar faces, or a simple fidget toy. When you see signs of restlessness or exit-seeking, offer one of these items and say, 'Let's sit and look at this together.'

The 'Community Watch' Card

Print a small card (business card size) that says: 'I am caring for someone with dementia who may wander. If you see them alone, please call [your name] at [your phone number]. Do not try to detain them—just call me. Thank you for helping keep them safe.' Give these to your neighbors, the mail carrier, the local grocery store, and the police department. This creates a network of eyes without relying on technology.

The 'Exit Cue Blocker'

If your loved one is drawn to the front door, place a large piece of furniture (like a bookshelf or a tall plant) in front of it, or hang a curtain that covers the door completely. You can also put a 'Beware of Dog' sign or a 'No Trespassing' sign on the door—these visual cues can stop a person who is looking for a familiar exit. For sliding glass doors, apply a decal that looks like a shelf or a window to break the visual cue of 'door.'

The 'Daily Wear Log'

Every morning, take a quick photo of your loved one in whatever they are wearing that day. Save it to your phone in a folder labeled 'Today's Outfit.' If they wander, you can immediately send that photo to police and neighbors, showing exactly what they look like. This saves precious minutes during a search.