Assistive Technologies Preventing Wandering and Elopement in Disability Communities
- Sam Shepherd
- Jul 15
- 6 min read
By Joshua Lee
It only takes a few minutes. A child with autism slips out the front door during playtime. A senior with dementia wanders from a care facility looking for “home.” These moments are often charged with urgency, fear, and the looming possibility of harm. For families and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities, dementia, or autism, wandering and elopement represent one of the most distressing challenges, potentially placing loved ones in life threatening situations with little to no warning.
Elopement, sometimes referred to as wandering, is defined as the unsupervised or unauthorized departure from a safe, supervised area. This behavior is particularly common among individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Alzheimer’s disease, and other intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). The consequences of elopement can be dire, including injury, dehydration, exposure, drowning, and even death. Fortunately, assistive technologies are emerging as powerful tools to help prevent elopement and keep vulnerable individuals safe. These devices offer real-time tracking, predictive alerts, and customizable settings to intervene before or during an elopement episode, supporting both individual autonomy and caregiver peace of mind.
Wandering is a widespread issue. According to a national caregiver survey, nearly 50% of children with ASD have attempted to wander after the age of four, with many incidents resulting in close calls involving traffic or bodies of water [1]. Another study found that 32–38% of children with ASD and co-occurring intellectual disability had eloped in the past year alone [2]. The risks are equally high among adults with dementia, where studies estimate that over 60% will wander at some point, often due to disorientation, memory loss, or anxiety triggered by environmental changes or transitions [3]. These statistics underscore how urgent the need is for effective, compassionate solutions that address both safety and independence.
Traditional methods for preventing elopement often rely on physical barriers such as locks, gates, and constant supervision, but these are not always effective. Additionally, over restrictive measures can infringe on individual dignity and freedom, raising ethical concerns, especially for adults who may not understand why their movement is being limited. Assistive technology offers a more nuanced solution. These tools range from wearable GPS devices to smart home sensors and are designed not only to detect or prevent wandering but to do so in a way that respects the individual and adapts to their needs.
One of the most widely adopted technologies is the use of GPS enabled wearable devices. Brands like AngelSense, Jiobit, and Project Lifesaver offer devices that can be worn on the body, clipped to clothing, or attached to shoes. These tools provide real-time location tracking, geofencing (which sends alerts when a person leaves a designated area), and two-way audio communication. Some models also feature SOS buttons and customizable schedules. A survey of caregivers published by Rice et al. (2020) found that electronic tracking device (ETD) use significantly reduced both the frequency and duration of wandering episodes among children with ASD [1]. Caregivers also reported enhanced peace of mind, better sleep, and an overall improvement in family quality of life.
For situations where GPS tracking may not be suitable, such as inside a home or in areas with weak signals, Bluetooth-based tags offer an affordable alternative. Products like Apple AirTag and Tile allow caregivers to set proximity-based alerts and monitor if the individual moves out of range. Though not designed specifically for clinical populations, many families have adopted them as part of a layered safety plan. These tags are small, discreet, and easy to integrate into backpacks, shoes, or even jewelry.
Beyond wearables, home-based assistive devices play a critical role in preventing nighttime or passive elopement. Pressure sensitive bed mats, door exit sensors, and motion detectors can detect movement at critical thresholds, such as when someone gets up at night or opens a door, and send real-time notifications to caregivers. A pilot study conducted in Ottawa explored the use of these off-the-shelf smart home tools in homes of people with dementia. The system included motion sensors, smart lighting, audio prompts, and caregiver text alerts. After 12 weeks of use, caregivers reported significant improvements in sleep quality, reduced stress, and an increased sense of control [3][4]. These results point to the effectiveness of combining low-cost consumer tech with tailored care strategies.
In institutional settings such as memory care facilities or hospitals, Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) systems are commonly used. Individuals wear RFID-enabled bracelets that interact with door sensors to automatically lock or alert staff when someone at risk of wandering approaches an exit. These systems are discreet and help prevent unplanned departures while preserving the dignity and mobility of the individual. Newer technologies are now incorporating artificial intelligence and computer vision. For example, AI-enabled camera systems like EyeWatch LIVE are being used to monitor gait, detect patterns of restlessness, and predict wandering behavior before it occurs. These systems can trigger early alerts and allow caregivers to intervene proactively, rather than reactively.
Despite the impressive capabilities of these devices, technology alone is not a complete solution. Behavioral and environmental strategies must be used in parallel to ensure long-term success. Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a common intervention for children with ASD who wander. ABA therapists conduct Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) to identify the motivation behind the behavior, whether it's escape, attention-seeking, sensory stimulation, or another trigger, and then teach safer, replacement behaviors. For example, children may be taught to respond to visual stop signs on doors or to use communication cards when they feel overwhelmed. Environmental modifications also support elopement prevention, including installing childproof locks, visual cues, safety gates, and window alarms.
In addition, some families choose to train or adopt service dogs, which can be taught to follow, track, or block individuals who are attempting to wander. While these approaches are more intensive and may not be accessible to all families, they reflect the broad toolkit available to address this problem in a personalized way. As Pathfinders for Autism explains, assistive technology should be viewed as part of a larger safety net and ideally, the final step after prevention planning, environmental controls, and behavioral training [5].
These technologies have already had a transformative impact in real-world settings. One family shared a story in which their nonverbal son with autism wandered from their backyard and was located in just five minutes using an AngelSense tracker. In the Ottawa study, a caregiver described finally being able to sleep through the night without fear of their partner leaving the house undetected [3][4]. Platforms like BridgingApps also highlight success stories where caregivers use a combination of ETDs, bed mats, door alarms, and medical alert tags to protect loved ones while maintaining a normal family routine [6].
Still, assistive devices are not without their challenges. Cost is a major barrier. Many GPS tracking systems cost over $200 for the device, plus a monthly subscription, which can quickly add up. Most insurance providers and Medicaid programs do not cover these expenses, although some states offer waiver programs. Privacy is another concern, especially for adults with dementia or intellectual disability who cannot provide informed consent. There’s also the potential for device failure such as signal loss, battery drain, or false alarms that can erode trust or cause caregiver burnout.
The future of assistive technologies for elopement prevention is filled with promise. AI systems are being developed to detect changes in body language, emotional cues, and biometric indicators like heart rate, allowing for early intervention before wandering begins. Wearable sensors integrated with smartphones or cloud platforms may soon analyze long-term behavior patterns to predict future risk. Policy efforts are also underway to classify ETDs as essential medical devices, improving reimbursement access for families in need. Most importantly, future development should involve people with disabilities, caregivers, clinicians, and designers in co-creating solutions that prioritize dignity, accessibility, and safety.
In conclusion, wandering and elopement pose serious risks to people with disabilities and those who care for them. While no technology can entirely prevent elopement, assistive devices provide critical tools for tracking, alerting, and safeguarding vulnerable individuals. When combined with behavioral interventions, environmental supports, and strong caregiver education, these technologies help us achieve what once seemed impossible, keeping our loved ones both safe and protected.
References
Rice, C. E., Zablotsky, B., Avila, R. M., Colpe, L. J., Schieve, L. A., & Blumberg, S. J. (2020). Electronic Tracking Device Use Among Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Who Wander. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 41(6), 415–421.
Anderson, C., Law, J. K., Daniels, A., Rice, C., Mandell, D. S., & Law, P. A. (2012). Elopement and Wandering Behavior Among Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Their Siblings. Pediatrics, 130(5), 870–877. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2012-0762
Moore, D. H., Sütcliffe, C., & Hui, S. (2009). Preventing Wandering and Elopement in People With Dementia: A Review. American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease & Other Dementias, 24(1), 15–22. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10846189/
Ault, L., & Campbell, S. (2022). Smart Home Technology for Night-Time Wandering in Dementia: Ottawa Community Pilot Project. Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technologies Engineering. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8855416/
Pathfinders for Autism. (2020). Wandering & Elopement Resources.
BridgingApps. (2024). Assistive Technology for Wandering and Elopement. https://bridgingapps.org/safety-highlight-assistive-technology-for-wandering-and-elopement/
