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Freedom and safety with mobile personal alarms
In Sweden, around 150,000 people are currently living with dementia. This condition not only affects memory and judgement but also places an emotional and practical strain on loved ones. For those in the later stages of dementia, disorientation can lead to serious situations such as wandering away from home or getting lost.
The consequences can be severe. In 2020 alone, Swedish police filed 25,686 missing persons reports, with nearly one in four involving someone with dementia. At least 300 of these incidents required full-scale rescue operations. Every disappearance represents both a potential danger to life and a moment of deep uncertainty for families.
Technology that restores confidence
Despite these challenges, mobile personal alarms are helping to improve safety and quality of life. Devices like our mobile personal alarm Abby and GPS-watch Amy combine technology and care to support independent living for longer. Abby can easy be worn around the neck or carried in a pocket, while Amy is designed as a wristwatch. Both have fall detection, geofencing, advanced GPS tracking, location-based alerts, and two-way voice communication.
When activated, either manually or automatically, these alarms notify caregivers or a response centre. If a user leaves a predefined area, or experiences a fall, the alarm quickly alerts those responsible for their care – giving everyone peace of mind.
Real impact on daily life
Arne Andersson, who lives with Alzheimer’s disease, once became disoriented while out in town and couldn’t find his way home. That experience made him reluctant to go outside again. But with the help of a GPS alarm, Arne regained his freedom. Wearing his device became part of his morning routine, and his family could follow his movements through a connected app.
“It gives me such reassurance,” said Arne. “Thanks to this technology, I can go out on my own again.” His wife and daughter echoed his relief. They could see his location, speak to him if needed, and step in if something seemed unusual.
Alarming numbers and a call for awareness
Missing People, a non-profit Swedish organisation that helps relatives and the police to publish missing persons notices and arrange search operations missing people, have noted a sharp rise in search operations for missing individuals, with 454 searches conducted in 2020 alone, which is a 58% increase compared to the previous year. Many of these cases involve people with dementia.
Despite the growing need, not enough municipalities in Sweden offer access to mobile personal alarms. Although around 60% of municipalities now include them in elderly care services, awareness among staff and families remains limited. Studies show that people with dementia, and even those who care for them, often aren’t introduced to assistive technology until the later stages of the condition, when it may no longer be as effective.
Making technology more accessible
Antonios Tsertsidis, a researcher at Örebro University, believes people with dementia should be involved earlier in the decision-making process. He suggests introducing assistive tools like GPS-alarms at the first signs of cognitive change. Early exposure not only increases the likelihood of adoption but also ensures users feel more confident in using the technology.
His research also points to the need for better staff training and clearer communication about what these tools can offer. With earlier and more personalised support, many more people could benefit from devices that promote safety without compromising independence.
Moving forward together
Dementia is often called “the relatives’ disease” because of the deep emotional toll it takes on families. Mobile personal alarms can ease that burden. By helping people stay connected, these devices support a more dignified and independent ageing process.
Together, we can use technology to create a future where older adults live safer, freer lives, supported by those who care most.
Discover more
- Learn more about our personal alarms and GPS alarms
- Read about Lennart and Margit who can continue to live at home thanks to Abby
- Abby and Amy are compatible with our app i-care® plus that allows family and friends to become more involved in the care of their loved ones
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GPS-alarms provide freedom and safety for older people
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