Table of Content
Wandering is a common and concerning behavior for people living with dementia, affecting about six in ten individuals. This guide offers practical steps caregivers can take to enhance safety and manage wandering effectively.
1.Understand the Triggers for Wandering
People with dementia don’t wander without reason. Understanding the cause is the first step toward finding a solution. Common triggers include:
- Searching for something or someone – Your senior loved one may be looking for a person, a familiar place from his or her past, or an item he or she believes is lost.
- Boredom or restlessness – A lack of stimulation or physical activity can lead to a need to move around.
- Discomfort or pain – Your loved one might be trying to get away from a noisy environment, an uncomfortable chair, or physical pain he or she can’t express.
- Confusion – Your loved one may not recognize his or her surroundings and wander in an attempt to find a place that feels familiar, like a past home or workplace.
- Basic needs – Your loved one might be looking for a bathroom or is feeling hungry or thirsty.
Try to observe when wandering occurs. Keeping a log of the time of day, the circumstances, and what happened just before the wandering started can help you identify patterns and address the underlying need.
If you’re concerned about the possibility of your loved one wandering, consider hiring a professional caregiver to keep him or her safe. The type of home care Richmond seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.
2.Create a Safe Home Environment
Modifying the home can significantly reduce the risks associated with wandering. The goal is to make it more difficult for your loved one to leave unsupervised while ensuring the living space remains safe and comfortable.
- Install deadbolts or slide bolts either high or low on exterior doors, outside your loved one’s usual line of sight.
- Use door and window alarms that alert you when they’re opened.
- Disguise doors by painting them the same color as the walls or covering them with a curtain. A “Do Not Enter” or “Stop” sign may also deter your loved one.
- Ensure all areas of the home are well lit to reduce confusion and the risk of falls, especially at night.
- Remove clutter and secure loose rugs to create clear, safe pathways throughout the home.
Certain age-related conditions can make it more challenging for seniors to age in place safely and comfortably, but experts in live-in care Richmond families can rely on are available around the clock to help seniors manage their health. Whether your loved one is living with dementia or recovering from a stroke, you can trust the professional caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care to enhance his or her quality of life.
3.Establish a Daily Routine
A consistent daily routine can provide a sense of security and predictability for someone with dementia. When activities are structured, it can reduce anxiety and the urge to wander.
Incorporate meaningful activities throughout the day, such as gentle exercise, listening to music, gardening, or simple household chores. Regular physical activity can reduce restlessness. Plan for these activities during the times of day when your loved one is most likely to wander.
4.Use Identification and Technology
Even with precautions, wandering can still happen. Ensuring your loved one has identification at all times is crucial.
- ID jewelry – An ID bracelet or necklace engraved with your loved one’s name, your contact information, and a note about his or her medical condition (e.g., “memory loss”) is essential.
- Tracking devices – Consider a GPS tracking device that can be worn as a watch, placed in a shoe, or clipped on to clothing. Several services are available that can help you locate your loved one quickly.
- Inform neighbors – Let trusted neighbors and local law enforcement know about the situation. Provide them with a recent photo and your contact information so they can alert you if they see your loved one alone.
5.Address Wandering Calmly
If you find your loved one wandering, it’s important to remain calm and avoid arguing or trying to reason with him or her. Your loved one’s reality may be different from yours, and confronting him or her could cause more agitation.
Gently approach your loved one and speak in a reassuring tone. Instead of saying “You can’t go outside,” try redirecting your loved one by saying “The kitchen is this way. Let’s go get a snack.” Acknowledge your loved one’s feelings and then guide him or her back to a safe space.
6.Have a Plan in Place
Prepare for a wandering incident before it happens. Have an emergency plan ready that includes:
- A recent clear photo of your loved one
- A list of emergency contacts, including local police
- A list of places your loved one might try to go, such as a former home, workplace, or favorite spot
- A written description of your loved one, including height, weight, hair and eye color, and what he or she was last seen wearing.
Quickly check the immediate vicinity, and if you cannot find your loved one within 15 minutes, contact the police.
Caring for seniors with dementia can be challenging for family caregivers. Luckily, there is dementia care Richmond families can rely on. Professional dementia caregivers help seniors with dementia stay safe and comfortable at home by preventing wandering, providing cognitive stimulation, and assisting with household chores. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Assisting Hands Home Care. To create a customized home care plan for your loved one, call us today.
