Caregiver Tips for Dementia-Related Wandering: Things You Can Do

Wandering, becoming lost, or being confused about their whereabouts is a common occurrence for people living with dementia, and it can occur at any stage of the disease. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6 out of 10 people living with dementia will have an incident where they wander or lose their ability to recognize familiar places and faces. Although common, wandering can be dangerous for someone with dementia and stressful for their caregivers and family. It may be difficult, but it is important to acknowledge the possibility of your loved one wandering and prepare for such an occurrence. In this article you will learn to identify why a person with dementia may wander, how you can reduce chances of this happening, and what safety measures to have in place in case it does.

Why Does Someone with Dementia Wander?

The reasons why a person with dementia might want to walk about may not be obvious. If you ask them, they may not remember the reason or they may not be able to tell you. Some common reasons are restlessness, lack of physical activity, searching for something or someone, and feeling lost and disoriented. As someone’s caregiver, you are likely to know them best. Trust your instincts and try to use your knowledge of your loved one to understand why they are wandering. This may help you find ways to support them.

Who is at Risk?

Everyone living with Alzheimer’s, or a related dementia, is at risk of wandering. Common signs a person may be at risk include:

• Returning from a regular walk or drive later than usual.
• Forgetting how to get to familiar places.
• Talking about fulfilling former obligations, such as going to work
• Trying or wanting to “go home” even when at home.
• Becoming restless, pacing or making repetitive movements.
• Having difficulty locating familiar places in the home, such as the bathroom, bedroom or dining room.
• Asking the whereabouts of past friends and family.
• Acting as if doing a hobby or chore, but nothing gets done.
• Appearing lost in a new or changed environment.
• Becoming nervous or anxious in crowded areas, such as markets or restaurants.
• Being startled by loud noises such as fireworks and unexpected sounds.

How To Reduce Risk

The following tips may help reduce the risk of wandering and can bring peace of mind to caregivers and family; however, these actions cannot guarantee that a person living with dementia won’t wander.

• Provide opportunities for your loved one to engage in structured, meaningful activities throughout the day.
• Identify the time of day your loved one is most likely to wander (for those who experience “sundowning,” this may be starting in the early evening). Plan things to do during this time; activities and exercise may help reduce anxiety, agitation and restlessness.
• Ensure that all basic needs are met, including toileting, nutrition and hydration. Consider reducing – but not eliminating – liquids up to two hours before bedtime so your loved one doesn’t have to use and find the bathroom during the night.
• Involve your loved one in daily activities, such as folding laundry or preparing dinner. Learn about creating a daily plan.
• Reassure your loved one if he or she feels lost, abandoned or disoriented.
• If your loved one is no longer driving, remove access to car keys. Someone living with dementia may not just wander by foot, they may forget that they can no longer drive.
• Avoid busy places that are confusing and can cause disorientation, such as shopping malls.
• Assess your loved one’s response to new surroundings. Do not leave someone with dementia unsupervised if new surroundings may cause confusion, disorientation or agitation.
• If you know your neighbors, make them aware of your loved one’s chances of wandering. Encourage members of your community to become dementia friends so they are prepared to accommodate the needs of someone with dementia.

If wandering occurs, start search efforts immediately. Begin by looking in the surrounding vicinity; many individuals who wander are found within 1.5 miles of where they disappeared. If applicable, search areas your loved one has wandered to in the past. If they are not found within 15 minutes, call 911 to file a missing person’s report, and inform the authorities that your loved one has dementia.

You may want to consider the MedicAlert and Alzheimer’s Association’s “Safe and Found” service. By enrolling in this program, you can get a medical ID for your loved one with their name and address, and your phone number. With “Safe and Found,” if an individual with Alzheimer’s or dementia wanders and becomes lost, caregivers can call MedicAlert’s 24/7 Emergency Response Team to report it. MedicAlert will create a missing person report and activate a community support network including local law enforcement and hospitals to help locate your loved one who wandered. MedicAlert will also share vital information with first responders as needed.

Location Devices for People with Dementia

One important preparation that many caregivers consider is using a location tracking device to track your loved one who wanders. These devices may use GPS, Bluetooth, or radio frequencies to transmit locations. They come in various forms, such as bracelets, shoe inserts, watches, and handheld devices that can be placed in a pocket or bag, so be sure to choose an option that is compatible with your loved one’s lifestyle.

There is no one standard tracking device that will work for everyone. New devices are released all the time and may replace current options. No matter which tracking device you choose, consider the unique needs and wants of your loved one that the device will be used for. Also think about the needs of the caregivers or family members who will be using the device. To choose what type of device best serves you (or your loved one who you are supporting), consider the following:

• How do you (or your loved one that you support) feel about using a tracking device?
• Will you remember to use the tracking device?
• Are you also considering other strategies to enhance safety?
• What level of technology are you comfortable with? 
• Do you understand the device’s features?

When comparing device features, consider the following:

• How big is the device? If the tracker is wearable, can it be easily removed by your loved one?
• What information does it provide? In addition to locations, some devices show routes taken, transit speed, 
• How will you access this information (smartphone app, web browser, etc.)?
• Does the device work internationally, if necessary?
• What is the battery life, and how does the device charge?
• Does the device have an SOS button for your loved one to use in case of an emergency?

Summary

• It’s common for a person living with dementia to wander or become lost or confused about their location, and it can happen at any stage of the disease.
• Everyone living with Alzheimer’s, or a related dementia, is at risk for wandering. Common signs a person may be at risk of wandering include forgetting how to get to familiar places, becoming restless, or appearing lost in a new or changed environment.
• One important preparation that many caregivers consider is using a location tracking device to track your loved one who wanders. They come in various forms, such as bracelets, shoe inserts, watches, and more, so be sure to choose an option that is compatible with your loved one’s lifestyle and your comfort level with technology.
• No matter which tracking device you choose, consider the unique needs and wants of your loved one that the device will be used for. Also think about the needs and technical abilities of the caregivers or family members who will be using the device.

Sources: Alzheimer’s Association, National Institute on Aging, The Alzheimer’s Society, OurParents

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