Wandering is one of the most challenging behaviours associated with dementia. According to the National Institute of Health, wandering affects approximately 60% of individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, putting them at serious risk of injury, disorientation, or even death. For caregivers, the possibility that a loved one may go missing without warning is a constant source of anxiety and stress.
At MedicAlert, our core purpose is to provide peace of mind to vulnerable individuals and their loved ones, and that includes supporting those affected by dementia-related wandering. As Canada’s population ages, dementia is a growing concern. By 2030, researchers predict that more than 1 million people in Canada will be living with dementia.
Launched in 2012, our Safe & Found program began when we took over management of Canada’s National Wandering Registry. Through Safe & Found, we provide essential tools that help keep individuals with dementia safe and provide peace of mind to their loved ones. Thousands of First Responders have been trained to recognize our blue dementia IDs. By calling the 24/7 emergency response number on the back of this ID, they can access critical health details such as wandering and/or disorientation history, de-escalation techniques and caregiver contact information, which enables them to reunite lost individuals with their loved ones faster.
But there's more to our approach than emergency response. MedicAlert collects and analyzes data about wandering behaviours from elopement and disorientation to confusion and frustration—not only to help during a crisis, but to gain insight into how and why this kind of behaviour occurs in 60% of people living with dementia. Our goal is to develop more products and services to ensure caregivers are better prepared to help their loved one manage one of the most significant and distressing aspects of this growing set of diseases.
The Role of Wandering Data
Every time someone enrolled in our Safe & Found Program experiences a wandering incident, MedicAlert records information such as location, duration, and contributing factors. This information is stored securely in our Subscriber Health Information Database, which First Responders can access 24/7 to retrieve vital medical details, emergency contacts, and even de-escalation strategies tailored to the individual.
This data also contributes to meaningful research. In 2022, MedicAlert partnered with the University of Waterloo to study data from our Safe & Found program. The findings were encouraging: 90% of individuals who wandered and were wearing a MedicAlert ID were returned home safe and uninjured. That number falls to less than 50% in cases where MedicAlert is not involved. The research also uncovered predictive indicators for wandering and helped estimate the average time before a first incident occurs. These insights are now being used to develop predictive analytics and preventative tools such as Early Alert. This early warning tool will predict the risk timeframe during which an individual with dementia is most likely to become disoriented and wander.
Empowering Caregivers with Knowledge and Support
We also collect wandering data so that we can improve our ability to offer personalized support to families. After a wandering incident, MedicAlert reaches out to caregivers to conduct a Return Home interview. This interview serves to identify potential triggers or patterns that may help improve individual safety plans and also enhances our understanding of dementia-related behaviours on a larger scale. When you receive a Return Home call following a wandering incident, we urge you to complete the interview request. The information you provide is vital to improving our research and can help you better protect your loved one.
Looking ahead, MedicAlert is working on new services designed to reduce the emotional and logistical burden on caregivers. This includes educational programs, resources for managing wandering risks, and advanced tools that leverage our research to offer better safety outcomes for individuals living with dementia.
MedicAlert’s commitment to data-driven care means families don’t have to face the challenges of dementia-related wandering alone. By collecting and studying real-life experiences, we’re building a safer future—one where vulnerable individuals are protected, their communities are safer, and their loved ones are supported every step of the way. The need for this support has never been greater.
Learn more about MedicAlert’s Safe & Found program.
