A growing risk — and a smarter way to respond

For many people living with dementia, walking has meaning — but it is also a major safeguarding risk.


Possum supports a proactive, personcentred approach that enables people to keep moving safely, without restriction or stigma, while giving families and carers vital peace of mind.

The scale of the issue

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Almost 1 million people are living with dementia in the UK — and the number is rising. 1

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Up to 60% of people with dementia will walk with purpose or wander at least once. 2

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It is estimated that 70% of people living with dementia will go missing at least once. 3

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Every year, 40,000 people with dementia are reported missing for the first time, making wandering a serious concern. 4

Once someone is missing, time, visibility and fast action save lives.

  1. dementiacarers.org.uk – https://dementiacarers.org.uk/what-we-do/campaigning/dementia-care-statistics/
  2. alz.org – https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering
  3. lumiio.io – https://lumiio.io/blogs/news/dementia-wandering-and-becoming-lost-what-you-need-to-know
  4. talkingtoday.co.uk – https://www.talkingtoday.co.uk/blog/becoming-lost-while-walking-supporting-those-living-with-dementia

Why Purposeful Walking Becomes Dangerous

Purposeful walking is not random — it is often driven by:

  • Memory loss and disorientation
  • Trying to reach familiar places
  • Anxiety, unmet needs, or routine

However:

Possum supports safer purposeful walking through discreet, dignityfirst technology.

Solutions such as SafeSole™ provide early alerts and realtime location without visible devices or restrictive measures, helping people with dementia continue walking safely while giving families and carers confidence, reassurance and peace of mind.

Explore our solutions below.