Alzheimer’s disease can have a significant impact on an individual’s memory, judgment, and spatial awareness, frequently resulting in periods of wandering. Unfortunately, this can be scary for family members and dangerous for seniors. However, by taking proactive steps and following an Alzheimer’s care plan, the chances of seniors wandering and becoming lost are reduced.

Strategies for Reducing Wandering

Seniors with Alzheimer’s frequently roam when they are confused or anxious. To counteract this, loved ones should make sure their home environment is both familiar and secure. This includes:

• Labeling Rooms: Rooms that are labeled with basic, easy-to-read signage help seniors more readily identify their environment.
• Removing Obstacles: Remove any tripping hazards, such as loose carpets or clutter, that could cause falls.
• Focus on Lighting: Installing nightlights in hallways and bathrooms can make it easier for seniors to transition from one room to another at night.

Set a Consistent Routine

Maintaining a daily routine is essential in Alzheimer’s care. Doing so can help alleviate restlessness and the desire to wander since seniors with Alzheimer’s tend to wander due to boredom, confusion, or worry. A consistent routine that includes set hours for meals, activities, and relaxation can help to prevent these issues. When creating the routine, loved ones should also include mentally and physically stimulating activities such as puzzles, crafts, or light exercise. Additionally, regular social connections can provide a sense of security and stability.

Identify Triggers of Wandering

Understanding what causes wandering behavior is critical to prevention. Seniors with Alzheimer’s may roam in search of something they believe is missing or to meet a basic need such as going to the bathroom, eating, or exercising. It’s important for family members to monitor their behavior and search for patterns to predict when they are likely to wander.

Use Identification and Tracking Tools

Technology has improved Alzheimer’s care over the past few years, making it easy to implement strategies to keep seniors safe. For instance, seniors can wear identification bracelets or necklaces that include their names, emergency contact information, and medical issues. Additionally, GPS trackers embedded in shoes, watches, or clothing can assist family members in locating a loved one who has wandered. Finally, door and window alarms can notify the Alzheimer’s care team when a door or window is unexpectedly opened.

Along with adding door and window alarms, loved ones might consider installing locks that are out of the reach of seniors or placing a curtain in front of the door to camouflage it. Painting the door the same color as the door is another idea.

Encourage Supervised Outside Activities

The point is not to keep seniors locked inside. Rather, they should be able to go outside and enjoy the fresh air, but supervision is needed to ensure their safety. As part of the Alzheimer’s care plan, loved ones or home care can take seniors for walks around the neighborhood or simply sit outside with them to enjoy the nice weather.

With a detailed Alzheimer’s care plan and support from home care, loved ones can implement strategies to reduce wandering in seniors with Alzheimer’s while also preserving their dignity and quality of life.

Sources:
https://www.alz.org/media/documents/alzheimers-dementia-wandering-behavior-ts.pdf
https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/home-care/info-2021/prevent-dementia-patients-wandering.html
https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/stages-behaviors/wandering

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Alzheimer’s care in Anderson, SC, contact Heart of the Carolinas Home Care at 864-991-3116.

Providing Home Care Services in Greenville, Simpsonville, Greer, Anderson, Spartanburg, Mauldin, Seneca, Laurens, Charleston, Columbia, and the surrounding areas.

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Edward Harrison

Founder at Heart of the Carolinas

Edward Harrison founded the Heart of the Carolinas Homecare in 2007 when he saw there was a need for caregivers that provide non-medical home care services, at a price that most people could afford. It was standard in the industry to require hourly minimums and it was common to be assigned a caregiver, not matched with one based on your individual personal needs. Edward understood that to make a successful relationship between caregiver and client, skills were not enough, personality and compatibility plays as much a role as do skills.

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