WanderWatch: A Market-Ready Wearable Alert System Enhancing Safety and Reducing Costs in Dementia Care Industry

Dementia affects millions worldwide and poses a growing global health challenge, with a new diagnosis occurring every three seconds. Symptoms typically begin around age 65, often starting with memory loss that interferes with daily activities such as navigation—raising serious safety concerns. This study aims to enhance patient safety and reduce caregiver burden by providing timely alerts when a patient leaves the home, minimizing the need for constant supervision. To address this, the project introduces WanderWatch, a wearable alert device specifically designed for individuals with dementia. Testing showed that WanderWatch significantly reduced response times, achieving a substantial improvement over baseline methods and enhancing the effectiveness of caregiver notifications. In addition to its performance, WanderWatch is notably more affordable than comparable technologies, offering a cost-effective solution for families and care providers. The device's initial detection range of 20 meters was optimized to three feet to improve precision and reduce false alarms. This refinement ensures more accurate detection and timely alerts, making WanderWatch a reliable and practical tool for improving dementia patient monitoring and supporting caregiver efforts.