40 Years of WanderGuard: Protecting Residents with Dignity and Compassion Since 1985
Join us in celebrating four decades of trusted wander management—protecting residents with dignity and supporting caregivers every step of the way.
Forty years ago, the launch of WanderGuard marked a turning point in senior living safety. It was among the first of its kind—a technology solution designed to help prevent unsafe wandering in memory care settings. At a time when technology and elder care rarely shared the same conversation, WanderGuard was already leading the way.
Today, more than 9,000 senior living communities rely on our Wander Management solutions to help protect residents with long-term or short-term cognitive impairment from wandering or leaving the community unsupervised—keeping them safe while preserving their independence.
A legacy rooted in listening
Since its initial release, WanderGuard has evolved alongside the people who use it. Client feedback, real-world challenges, and everyday caregiving experiences have directly shaped the enhancements over the years—from simplifying staff workflows to improving resident comfort.
That spirit of innovation continues today with WanderGuard BLUE, our next-generation system that offers real-time location monitoring, customizable alerts, foundational tech enhancements and seamless integration with other safety solutions—all designed with caregivers and residents in mind.
Whether it's improving ease of use for staff, creating more discreet bracelets for residents, or building smarter connections between systems, WanderGuard continually adapts to the needs of the people who count on it every day.
“We’ve changed with the times—not just technologically, but operationally,” says Ara Kouchakdjian, Vice President of Product Development. “We’ve made WanderGuard more dynamic and adaptable to help communities feel like home. At the same time, we’ve prioritized developing an intuitive tool that seamlessly fits in with staff workflows and preserves the dignity of our residents.”
Technology that blends in so residents can stand out
WanderGuard prioritizes resident safety while supporting their independence and well-being. It helps caregivers strike the delicate balance between protection and personal freedom—which is especially important in memory care settings.
Take the WanderGuard BLUE solution launched in 2017. We pioneered the use of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology in lightweight, discreet bracelets for residents. BLE extended WanderGuard bracelet battery life, enhanced location precision, and simplified installation, configuration and scalability.
Caregivers can view resident locations in real time on a facility map and set up geofencing alerts that are triggered by proximity via the resident bracelets. With WanderGuard BLUE’s integration with our Arial Emergency & Nurse Call system, everything is managed through a single, user-friendly interface. This can lead to faster response times, and more time for meaningful resident care. The system also simplifies staff access across the community with badge-based entry, supporting efficient workflows and enhancing overall safety. Integrated door monitoring adds another layer of control, improving both security and audit readiness.
This invisible layer of protection not only helps prevent adverse events and can reduce liability but also allows residents to stay in less restrictive levels of care for longer.
“We’ve changed with the times—not just technologically, but operationally. We’ve made WanderGuard more dynamic and adaptable to help communities feel like home. At the same time, we’ve prioritized developing an intuitive tool that seamlessly fits in with staff workflows and preserves the dignity of our residents.”
Designed for real life—and real challenges
Wandering can happen unexpectedly, even in communities with highly trained staff. Sixty percent of seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s are likely to wander, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. And when it happens, it can be dangerous and life-threatening.
WanderGuard addresses this risk proactively. It gives staff an early warning system—alerting them the moment a resident tries to leave a designated area. It’s like having an extra set of eyes 24/7, offering protection without requiring constant supervision.
With continuous advancements in software, location accuracy, and alarm visibility, WanderGuard BLUE helps ensure communities are always prepared to prevent elopement—without overwhelming their teams.
Over time, that consistent protection can help provide outcomes like reduced risk of serious incidents, minimal emergency interventions, and preservation of the reputation of senior living communities.
Four decades of commitment to those who care
“No matter how the tools change, the mission remains the same: protect residents without taking away their sense of self. Give caregivers smarter support,” says Bill McCarthy, President of Securitas Healthcare. “And above all, empower communities to provide compassionate, dignified care.”
WanderGuard isn’t just a system—it’s peace of mind in action. For four decades, it has helped protect some of the most vulnerable members of our communities, allowing residents to move through their days with dignity and helping staff focus on meaningful care.
We’re honored that thousands of communities have chosen WanderGuard as their partner in resident safety. It’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly—and we’re proud to stand alongside senior care teams, committed to this important work for the long haul.
“No matter how the tools change, the mission remains the same: protect residents without taking away their sense of self. Give caregivers smarter support and above all, empower communities to provide compassionate, dignified care.”
