Why Wander Management Is Critical for Senior Safety

Wander management technology is a proactive solution for ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in memory care units and senior living communities. With its ability to reduce a range of incidents — from falls to elopement — it’s on the front lines of defense in safeguarding seniors and empowering caregivers.

Thanks to increasingly robust innovations, wander management is changing. Advanced monitoring systems, AI algorithms, and mobile notifications serve to enable intervention while creating a more secure environment. In short, today’s wander management technology is both less restrictive and more protective.

Resident safety is top priority

Wander management is a top priority in memory care wards and assisted living facilities (ALFs). Residents often face cognitive impairments that can cause confusion and disorientation, leading to wandering behaviors. Unabated, wandering frequently results in falls, injuries, or even elopement where residents go missing when unsupervised.

Unfortunately, most ALFs don’t have staff available to watch each resident every waking hour. Staff-to-patient ratios range wildly from state to state — as low as 1:5 in states like Wisconsin and as high as 1:100 in states like California. Because of this, wander management technology plays a crucial role in enhancing resident safety.

Through individualized monitoring systems, wander management technology enables proactive intervention for a more secure environment. It acts as both a safety net and a tool to empower resident independence and autonomy within a controlled environment.

What does wander management look like?

New wander management systems are incredibly robust. With real-time alerts and notifications, caregivers can monitor resident movements, detect potential risks promptly, and respond quickly to prevent accidents or elopements. Below are some of the innovations helping to achieve better wander management:

  • Early detection systems: Wandering and elopement incidents present unique challenges in memory care settings, requiring proactive measures for prevention. By continuously monitoring resident movements, wander management systems can quickly identify patterns indicating wayward behavior. Motion sensors and real-time locating systems are ideal for individualized resident tracking, while door/window alarms can alert caregivers to unauthorized movements.

  • AI-enhanced monitoring: AI algorithms can analyze resident patterns and behaviors to predict wandering incidents before they occur. By learning from historical data, AI can identify areas where residents should not exit and immediately notify caregivers if any unusual behavior is detected. For example, WanderGuard BLUE utilizes advanced AI algorithms to grant or restrict access based on wandering potential.

  • Mobile notifications: Mobile devices facilitate real-time notifications for staff in memory care settings and ALFs. When a potential wandering incident is detected, mobile notifications are sent directly to caregivers’ devices, ensuring instant awareness and enabling a prompt response. Real-time alerts enhance communication and coordination among staff for quick intervention.

Together, these innovations allow for more natural wander management. They not only prevent wandering and elopement issues but also enable more passive and positive staff intervention. Modern wander management systems can be the difference between a frantic response to a dangerous situation and a kind helping hand to steer a resident back to familiar territory.

Future trends and innovations

Wander management solutions continue to improve. For instance, the use of sensor-based monitoring within facilities helps staff track resident movements and activities more accurately. These sensors can also detect behavioral changes, identify potential wandering patterns, and provide valuable data for caregivers to intervene promptly.

Another promising development is the integration of predictive analytics. Sophisticated algorithms can analyze historical data to forecast potential wandering incidents based on the time of day (sundowning) or following events. This proactive approach helps caregivers take preventative measures and reduce the risks associated with wandering.

Wearable devices are also gaining traction. Some wearables come equipped with real-time monitoring capabilities, which allow for continuous tracking of residents’ location and vital signs. These devices offer an added layer of security and enable caregivers to respond quickly in an emergency.

Enhance residents’ quality of life

Wander management technology represents a significant leap forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of residents in memory care units and senior living communities. By striking a balance between adaptability and proactivity, the latest advancements offer residents a greater sense of freedom and comfort while still maintaining the necessary level of protection.

As this technology evolves, it holds the promise of revolutionizing the care provided in senior living settings. Instead of making residents feel confined or confused, wander management innovations can help them feel safe, comfortable, and well cared for.

Learn more about wander management technology at trlsystems.com/solutions-healthcare.

Sy Granillo