# Homing Compasses Het Kompas Empowers People with Dementia to Explore the Outdoors By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2025-11-14 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/het-kompas References: [zorginnovatie.nl](https://zorginnovatie.nl/innovaties/het-kompas) & [aumens](https://aumens.com/)  Declining memory, reasoning, and thinking can gradually strip away a person’s independence, making [simple outdoor activities like walking](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/navigation-system) or gardening feel unsafe or out of reach—but Het Kompas is poised to change this for those with early to mid-stage dementia. This homing compass, created in collaboration with people with dementia and researched by the Expertise Center for Dementia & Technology, features a [built-in GPS tracker](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gotag) to always point home. In field testing with about 40 participants with varying stages of cognitive decline, only a few users (all in advanced stages) had difficulty using Het Kompas to make their way home. A pair of graduates from [Eindhoven University of Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gastronology) launched Aumens to bring Het Kompas to market, and the first batch of devices is set to ship in January 2026. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.3/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 69% | Freshness: 55% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Assistive Navigation Devices:** Development of assistive navigation devices like Het Kompas opens new pathways for addressing the growing need for supportive technologies in cognitive health care. - **Personalized Dementia Care Technology:** The integration of user-centric design in dementia care technology, exemplified by Het Kompas, highlights a shift towards creating solutions that cater to individual capabilities and needs. - **Wearable Safety Gadgets:** The rise of wearable safety gadgets equipped with GPS tracking presents opportunities for enhancing personal security and autonomy among vulnerable populations. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Healthcare Technology:** Healthcare technology continues to evolve with innovations like Het Kompas, which supports the independence of individuals with cognitive impairments. - **Elderly Care Solutions:** Elderly care solutions are undergoing a transformation with the introduction of advanced technologies that facilitate safer, more independent living for seniors. - **Wearable Technology:** Wearable technology is seeing a boost in applications for health-related purposes, offering new tools for tracking, navigation, and personal safety. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [AI-Powered Robotic Pet Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jennie.md) - [Retailer Dementia Support Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/boots-dementia-action-week.md) - [AI Alzheimer's Avatars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alzheimers-intelligence.md) - [Hidden Disability Toy Figurines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hidden-disabilities-sunflower.md) - [Haptic Stone-Like Compasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terra-compass.md) - [Memory Loss Ink-Fading Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/4442-book.md) - [Durably Waterproof Compasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waterproof-compass.md) - [Bed Conversion Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ensven-modular-bed-rocker.md) - [Community-Driven Alzheimer's Fundraisers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walk-for-alzheimers.md)