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Wandering can be a dangerous behavior for people with dementia. It often leads to them getting lost. Identify the person’s triggers for this behaviour and try to prevent it. Ask neighbors and friends to watch out for them, especially at night. Consider enrolling them in a wandering response service, such as MedicAlert. In dementia patients, wandering is usually a symptom of cognitive changes and a desire to escape a frightening or unfamiliar environment. It can also be a reaction to a perceived need to fulfill a task, such as going out to get the newspaper or to a familiar restaurant. It’s also common to lose the ability to sequentially plan or keep track of a daily routine. Experts advise caregivers to be prepared for wandering in any scenario, by creating a safe place where someone can go if they become lost. This includes removing items that may encourage elopement, like keys and purses, and keeping their doors locked when not at home. Another helpful step is to know your loved one’s tendencies to wander. It’s common for people with Alzheimer’s to wander because they think they are going home, or to a specific location where a loved one once lived. https://personalmedicalalarm.com/medical-alert-alarm/ It’s even possible that they’re trying to find a way out of a crowd, such as an airport. Wandering is a symptom of dementia, and it’s common in people with Alzheimer’s disease. But it also happens in other types of dementia, including Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia. It can be triggered by overstimulation in an environment, like a loud supermarket or a crowded restaurant. Or it may happen at certain times of day, such as nearing nightfall or during what professionals call "sundowning" (a time of increased confusion and restlessness). To reduce the risk of a loved one wandering, make sure all doors are locked and keys to cars and homes are stored out of sight. Consider storing items that trigger the urge to leave, such as coats and shoes, in a safe place. Consider a phone tree for friends and family, and enroll them in a medical alert program that will send help if they do wander and can't be found. Also, wear a bracelet that displays their name and medical condition to encourage others to contact authorities if they see them. Some dementia patients are prone to wandering due to a combination of factors, including sleep deprivation, pain, disorientation or an unmet need. For example, they may think they are looking for a friend or family member or trying to fulfill a former obligation such as going to work. Others wander because they want to escape an uncomfortable situation. This is often the case with people who experience a condition called sundowning, when symptoms worsen in the late afternoon and early evening. If your loved one is prone to wandering, take preventative measures to keep them safe. This includes ensuring they always have access to their home and are not in a noisy or unfamiliar environment. https://personalmedicalalarm.com/wandering/ You can also put locks on exit doors above the line of sight and ask local law enforcement if they maintain a Silver Alert registry for missing seniors. In addition, providing companionship, reducing risky activities and keeping basic needs met can all help prevent wandering.
Sometimes a wanderer is trying to get to a specific place, like the place where they were raised, says Sabbagh. They may also feel a need to escape from noise, light or crowded spaces. Whatever the reason, wandering is dangerous. https://personalmedicalalarm.com/fall-detection-alarms/ Half of those who don’t get found within 24 hours end up severely injured or dead, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. The best way to prevent your loved one from wandering is to plan ahead and keep them occupied with familiar activities. It is also important to know their neighborhood, so you can be prepared if they do go missing. If you can’t prevent wandering, try to distract them or redirect them. |
