South Korea’s rapidly aging population is bringing new healthcare challenges. Dementia is one of the most pressing. According to the 2023 National Dementia Epidemiology Survey by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, 9.25% of Koreans aged 65 and older are living with dementia. Among those aged 85 and above, the rate rises to over 1 in 5 overall, and nearly 1 in 3 for women.
This growing prevalence affects not only patients but also caregivers, families, and healthcare facilities. Nearly half of families caring for dementia patients (45.8%) report feeling a significant caregiving burden, while annual care costs per patient average ₩17.3 million in the community and ₩31.3 million in nursing facilities. One of the most urgent safety concerns is the risk of wandering, which can quickly lead to dangerous and sometimes life-threatening situations.
Understanding the Wandering Risk
Wandering is a common and serious risk for people living with dementia. As memory and orientation decline, patients may leave their rooms or facilities without realizing it, often trying to find familiar places. In Korea, more than 14,600 dementia patients were reported missing in 2023 alone.
Even brief incidents of wandering can result in falls, injuries, or exposure to dangerous environments. For families and caregivers, this creates constant worry and stress. The survey results confirm that families are already under pressure, with many struggling to balance care duties, financial burdens, and their own health. These realities underscore the need for effective safety solutions.
Smart Safety Solutions for Dementia Care
Traditional supervision methods are not always enough to prevent wandering. Care facilities require tools that not only protect patients but also support overworked care teams.
Securitas Healthcare offers solutions tailored to this need. The WanderGuard system uses lightweight wearable tags that track a patient’s movements throughout a facility. If a patient enters a restricted area or tries to exit a safe zone, staff are immediately alerted, allowing for quick intervention.
The system also provides a real-time location platform, giving visibility into both patient and staff positions. This enables faster, coordinated responses during emergencies and reduces risks for everyone involved. By automating safety monitoring, WanderGuard allows caregivers to focus more on providing quality, compassionate care.
Supporting Korea’s Senior Care Future
As dementia cases continue to rise, proactive safety measures are no longer optional — they are essential. Hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities must look to solutions that combine advanced technology with professional care practices.
Securitas Healthcare is dedicated to protecting seniors from harm, reducing the burden on caregivers, and supporting families who want reassurance that their loved ones are safe. By integrating systems like WanderGuard, Korea can create smarter and safer environments for dementia care. This approach not only improves patient safety but also strengthens the well-being of caregivers and families.
Conclusion
The dementia challenge in Korea is growing, with prevalence already affecting nearly 1 in 10 seniors and creating heavy financial and emotional burdens for families. Wandering remains one of the most urgent safety risks, but solutions exist.
Securitas Healthcare’s WanderGuard system offers a proven way to manage this risk, with real-time alerts and location tracking that keep patients safe and ease the load on caregivers. By adopting smart safety technology, care facilities can protect seniors, support families, and prepare for a future where dementia care is safer and more sustainable.
To learn more about how Securitas Healthcare can support dementia care in Korea, contact us today for more information or a consultation.
Source: 2023 National Dementia Survey – Ministry of Health and Welfare (Korea)
