Some people living with dementia want to continue familiar walks, shopping or visiting friends but may occasionally become disoriented. A wearable GPS personal alarm can form one part of an individual support plan. It is not suitable for everyone and does not prevent someone going missing.
Seek advice from relevant health, social care or dementia professionals when assessing risk, capacity and support.
Start with the person’s life
Map the routes, activities and choices that matter to them. The question is not simply “How do we track this person?” but “What support may help them continue this activity with proportionate safeguards?”
Discuss the device in language they understand. Involve them in choosing how it is worn and who responds.
Consider whether it will be carried
A device left on a table provides no location away from home. Test lanyard, key clip, pocket and bag options. Familiarise the person gradually and link wearing it to an existing leaving-home routine.
Understand the Footprint functions
Footprint offers an SOS button, two-way hands-free calling, location requests, family pairing and up to three geofenced areas. It can alert contacts after configured boundary events and when the battery needs charging.
These functions support information and communication. They do not guarantee precise indoor location, immediate contact or prevention of harm.
Create a calm response plan
Agree what contacts do after an alert. Check context, call the wearer, consider their expected route and escalate appropriately. Keep an up-to-date description and professional/emergency guidance as advised locally.
Protect rights and privacy
Location monitoring requires a clear purpose and appropriate consent or lawful decision-making. Use the least restrictive arrangement, limit access and review it as needs change.
Test the complete system
Practise SOS, calling, charging, location requests and missed-contact escalation. Check mobile service on familiar routes. Review after any significant change.
Technology should support personhood and confidence, not replace human knowledge of the individual. Discuss Footprint for families with the OwnFone team and involve relevant professionals in the wider plan.