Reduce Wandering for Your Loved One with Dementia

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Arden Courts of Sarasota

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Posted on

Aug 08, 2024

Book/Edition

Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties

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Wandering is always a cause for concern with people who have Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. According to the Alzheimer's Association, six out of 10 people with Alzheimer’s will wander and get lost, becoming disoriented and confused, even in their own neighborhood. Many forget their name or address as they wander about. They may be searching for something they think is lost or trying to complete a former task from work.

Unfortunately, the longer a person with dementia is lost, the higher their risk for mortality. Wandering can be extremely dangerous in cold and hot temperatures, as they are exposed to harsh conditions and may not be dressed appropriately.

Tips To Help Reduce Wandering

Preventing unsafe wandering is one of the best things you can do for your loved one. Here are some tips to prevent wandering with dementia:

  • Secure the home of someone living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia. Install locks out of eye level view on doors and windows. You can also use motion detectors to alert you when your loved one opens the door.
  • Place a full-length mirror or stop sign on doors that you do not want your loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia to enter. The image of another person can often stop someone with dementia. Also stop signs have been so imbedded in our memories that they can often still invoke the intended response.
  • Use visual cues like signs with pictures on doors to help a person with dementia find the bathroom and their bedroom. Visual cues help identify where the doors lead and can help your loved one from accidentally leaving the house.
  • Have a fence installed with secured gates. This will allow your loved one to safely get some fresh air and enjoy the outdoors.
  • Get in the habit of taking walks together in the evening. Assuring your loved one with Alzheimer’s or related dementia is getting enough physical activity can help reduce their anxiety and restlessness. This may help reduce wandering behaviors.
  • Find enjoyable activities for your loved one, such as gardening, music or simple daily activities (e.g., folding clothes, preparing meals). This can help replace anxiety and restlessness.
  • Keep easy-to-eat snacks and water on hand and within view. Often those with Alzheimer’s and related dementia wander because they are looking for something, such as food or water.
  • Avoid noisy and busy places, such as the mall, that can cause anxiety for someone with Alzheimer’s or related dementia. Often, they will try to walk to somewhere that is quieter and has less stimulation that can cause agitation.
  • Never leave a person with dementia alone, either locked in the house or in a car.

Understanding Wandering Behaviors

Sixty percent of those with dementia will wander during the course of their disease. Once an individual has wandered, they are likely to wander again.

Several factors can contribute to wandering behavior, including:

  • Side effects of medication.
  • Feeling upset, nervous or restless.
  • Confusion about time.
  • Inability to recognize familiar people or places.
  • Fear of unfamiliar sights and sounds.

Certain behaviors may indicate that a person is at particular risk, such as:

  • Restlessness, pacing or repetitive movements.
  • Returning late from a walk or drive.
  • Trying to go to work or some other former activity.
  • Having a hard time finding the bathroom, bedroom or other familiar place.
  • Wanting to or trying to “go home,” even when at home.
  • Feeling lost in a new or different place.
  • Seeming busy with an activity, but actually accomplishing nothing.
  • Inform your neighbors of your loved one’s condition and make a list of their names and phone numbers.
  • Ask friends, family and neighbors to call immediately if they spot your loved one alone.
  • Keep a current head and shoulders photo of your loved one available to show police.
  • Mark their clothes with permanent marker or sewn identification.
  • Keep a list of places where the person is likely to go.
  • Familiarize yourself with dangerous areas near your home where the individual could get lost, injured or encounter heavy traffic.
  • Know that wandering may be on foot, in a car or on public transportation.
  • Keep a list of your doctors' names and numbers, as well as a list of all current medications with the dosages.
  • Consider paying for a service or program to help you track your loved one with GPS.

Wandering is one of the two most common reasons for placing an individual with dementia in a care setting. Understand that not all care settings are appropriate for people with dementia. Memory care communities, such as Arden Courts, should allow residents to explore and wander in safe ways.

If you have questions about your loved one’s risk for wandering, talk with their health care provider or find memory care services near you.

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